Ex-Boyfriend Arrested After Police Say He Hid Apple AirTag in Woman’s Vehicle and Child’s Backpack

by Ryan Yousefi January 11, 2026

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Nicholas Alexander Cartman. {BSO}

A Coconut Creek man has been arrested after authorities say he secretly placed an Apple AirTag in his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle and her child’s backpack.

According to a Margate Police Department report, Nicholas Alexander Cartman, 44, was arrested on January 8 and charged with installing or using a tracking device without consent, a third-degree felony under Florida law, records show.

According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began after a woman reported discovering an Apple AirTag hidden inside her vehicle. The victim told police she and her cousin were traveling to Ocala when both began receiving alerts on their phones indicating that an AirTag was nearby. After searching the vehicle, the cousin used her phone to “ping” the device, which emitted a sound near the center console. The AirTag was found concealed under a small mat in that area.

Investigators say the victim retrieved identifying information from the AirTag, including the last four digits of the phone number associated with the device. The victim told police the number belonged to Cartman, her ex-boyfriend and the father of her children.

According to the affidavit, the victim stated that when she asked Cartman about the alerts, he allegedly dismissed them, saying they were caused by passing vehicles. After the AirTag was located, the victim contacted him to ask why he had placed the device in her vehicle. Police say he denied doing so.

Detectives later subpoenaed Apple for records connected to the AirTag. The company reportedly confirmed that the device was registered to an email address and phone number associated with Cartman.

On January 8, detectives contacted Cartman, who also admitted that he had placed the Apple AirTag inside his 7-year-old daughter’s backpack at an unknown date and acknowledged that he did so without informing the victim or obtaining her consent.

Cartman was arrested, transported to the Broward County Main Jail, and later released on a $2,500 bond.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.