No. of Recommendations: 1
I read the nyt about this. Apparently, it is about timing. If he erased it before he boarded the plane, no crime. But once he was aware they were seeking evidence, his giving the duress code was "destroying evidence", which is clearly a crime.
The article seemed to indicate that "reasonable search and seizure" had been adjudicated in the past with respect to customs and border agents. But that might be his only out in this case: claiming it violated his rights under the Fourth.
Because of the timing, it was destroying evidence per the relevant statute.
