Florida Man Arrested in Cyberstalking Investigation
A Florida man has been arrested in Orlando in connection with a federal cyberstalking investigation involving several residents of Saratoga County, New York, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
The 23-year-old man was arrested on August 4 and faces a federal cyberstalking charge. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and as much as three years of supervised release.
According to a criminal complaint, the suspect allegedly sent threatening communications to multiple people through social media and text messages. Some of the alleged messages reportedly included references to one victim being kidnapped, along with information about where the victim lived and other personal details.
The investigation involved federal law enforcement agencies in both New York and Florida. Investigators with the FBI’s Albany Joint Terrorism Task Force and agents with the FBI’s Daytona Beach Resident Agency worked together to identify and locate the suspect.
Authorities said the suspect was taken into custody in Orlando. He made an initial appearance in federal court in Florida on Aug. 4 and was released under certain conditions while the case proceeds.
If convicted, the man faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. The FBI is continuing to investigate the case, and a federal prosecutor is handling the prosecution.
Federal Cyberstalking Laws
Federal law addresses stalking and cyberstalking under 18 U.S.C. § 2261A. The statute makes it a federal offense to use the mail, an interactive computer service, an electronic communication service or another interstate communications system to engage in a course of conduct intended to kill, injure, harass, intimidate or place another person under surveillance.
The alleged conduct must generally involve circumstances such as placing a victim in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury or causing, attempting to cause, or being reasonably expected to cause substantial emotional distress. Prosecutors must establish the elements required under the applicable federal statute, including the required intent and course of conduct.
The potential penalties depend on the circumstances. Under federal law, a violation of the stalking statute can carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison when the case does not involve certain aggravating circumstances.
More serious consequences can apply if the offense results in injury or death. Federal law provides for up to 10 years in prison when serious bodily injury results or a dangerous weapon is used, up to 20 years when permanent disfigurement or life-threatening bodily injury results, and potentially life imprisonment when the victim dies.
Contact a Legal Professional for Help
People often think they can hide behind a computer and say and do what they want, but harassing others aggressively can result in an arrest, hefty fines, and prison time.
Cyberstalking is taken seriously in Florida. Make sure you have a solid defense to protect yourself. Get the help you need from a Florida computer & internet crime lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit. Schedule a consultation with our office by calling (352) 505-1799 or filling out the online form.
Source:
https://www.news10.com/news/crime/florida-man-accused-of-cyberstalking-saratoga-county-residents/
