Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs’ stolen iPad turns up in clown town

By

Kenny the clown
This man briefly owned Steve Jobs' iPad.
Photo: ABC News

August 17: Today in Apple history: Steve Jobs' stolen iPad turns up in hands of Kenneth 'Kenny the Clown' Kahn August 17, 2012: Steve Jobs’ stolen iPad winds up in the hands of a clown called Kenny, who performs kids shows in the San Francisco Bay Area.

It’s a bizarre story all around, and fortunately winds up with the iPad being returned.

Steve Jobs’ iPad stolen

A burglar ransacked the Jobs family home the previous month during renovation work. The thief took $60,000 worth of property, including multiple Macs, iPhones, iPods, iPads, Tiffany jewelry, Cristal champagne, a blender and a soda-maker. He also swiped Steve Jobs’ wallet — which contained just $1.

Kariem McFarlin, the thief who admitted to the crime, gave the iPad to his friend Kenneth “Kenny the Clown” Kahn to repay a debt. Kahn, unaware of the iPad’s former owner, did not attempt to access any personal files on the tablet. Which is good, considering the iPad could have contained confidential information concerning Apple.

Kenny the Clown ends up with Steve Jobs’ iPad

Instead, Kahn used iTunes to load “The Pink Panther Theme” and Michael Jackson songs to use as part of his act. When he connected to the internet, law enforcement hunted him down, arriving at his door to reclaim Jobs’ iPad. Authorities also arrested McFarlin.

The whole story was bizarre. It was also sad, due to Jobs’ death the previous year. Fortunately, it ended with Jobs’ family getting back the personal possessions of their late family member.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.