In what prosecutors are calling the first case of its kind, a former claim manager in California has been charged with planting an electronic bugging device on a computer at an insurance company. Larry Lee Ropp allegedly installed a device called a Key Katcher that recorded every keystroke made on a computer that was used by a secretary to the vice president of Bristol West Insurance Group/Coast National Insurance Co., where Ropp was employed. After his termination from the company in September 2003, Ropp called another Bristol employee asking that she remove the device, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.

During interviews with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ropp admitted using the device, but claimed that he was a whistle blower for the California Department of Insurance, according to Reuters. The CDI denied employing Ropp in that capacity. Although prosecutors did not say what motivated Ropp, an affidavit filed with the indictment suggests that he intended to supply information to attorneys representing a class of people who were suing the company.

Ropp is charged with a single count of wiretapping, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.