Apple Security Chief Cleared of Bribery Charges Over Gun Permits

Portrait of Apple security chief Thomas Moyer.

A jury in Santa Clara County has found Apple’s global security chief, Thomas Moyer, not guilty of bribery. The verdict ends a legal battle that lasted several years and sparked widespread attention.


Allegations Involved Firearm Permits and iPad Donation

In 2020, prosecutors claimed Moyer offered 200 iPads to the sheriff’s office. They argued it was a bribe to get concealed carry permits for Apple’s executive protection team.

Portrait of Apple security chief Thomas Moyer.

Apple had approved the donation. But the company canceled it when the district attorney launched an investigation.

The case was first dismissed in 2021 due to a lack of clear evidence. However, the district attorney appealed, and the case reopened in 2023.

Judge Eric Geffon, who dismissed the earlier charges, stated there was no sign Moyer believed permits required a donation. The jury agreed and ruled that the evidence didn’t prove any wrongdoing.

After the verdict, Moyer’s lawyers said, “Tom Moyer is innocent and should never have been charged.” They thanked the jury for ending the case.


Moyer also expressed gratitude to Apple and his family for standing by him. Apple made no further comment but previously stated they found no signs of misconduct.

A High-Profile Case Comes to a Close

The case drew attention to how companies interact with local law enforcement. While the legal drama put pressure on both Moyer and Apple, the jury’s decision brings final closure.

Moyer will now continue his work at Apple. The case serves as a reminder of the legal risks that corporate leaders may face—even when they follow internal approval processes.

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