Florida Firefighter Accused of Cyberstalking Ex-Girlfriend

Relationships are tough, especially when they end. A breakup can leave a person heartbroken. They may experience heavy emotions that cause them to do stupid and even illegal activities. This may include harassing and threatening the ex.

This is what a Florida man is being accused of. The 28-year-old firefighter from Orange County was arrested on April 23. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has accused the man of cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend.

The man allegedly threatened to post intimate photos of his ex-girlfriend online. These were photos that the girlfriend had shared with him during their relationship. In February, the man created a fake TikTok profile under his ex-girlfriend’s name. He used the account to post nude photos of his ex without her consent.

The man also tried to contact his ex-girlfriend by using multiple phone numbers and spoof numbers. He attempted to intimidate her and left multiple insulting messages on her voicemail.

The man also stalked the woman in person. Investigators received pictures and videos of the man following his ex-girlfriend to and from work. He also could be seen parking outside her residence.

The man faces charges of cyberstalking and cyber harassment. Orange County Fire Rescue issued a statement stating that the man “has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation.” The fire department is thoroughly reviewing the matter. The man has been with Orange County Fire Rescue since February 2023.

Florida Cyberstalking Laws

In Florida, cyberstalking is a criminal offense. The law generally prohibits using electronic communications to repeatedly harass or target a specific person in a way that causes substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose.

Florida law defines cyberstalking as either repeatedly communicating (directly or indirectly) through email, text messages, social media, or other electronic means about or to a specific person, or accessing or attempting to access another person’s online accounts or internet-connected home systems without permission, when the conduct causes substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose.

Conduct that may lead to cyberstalking allegations includes:

• Sending repeated unwanted messages after being told to stop.
• Creating fake social media accounts to contact or monitor someone.
• Repeated online harassment or intimidation.
• Posting threatening messages directed at a specific individual.
• Using electronic communications to track, monitor, or harass someone.
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to another person’s online accounts.

A single message is usually not enough. The law generally requires a pattern of conduct that is repeated and intentional.

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Harassing someone is never a good idea, whether you do it online or in public. Stalking and threatening someone may seem trivial to some people, but it can result in legal consequences.

Cyberstalking can be a felony in some cases. A Florida computer & internet crime lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can help protect you by formulating a solid defense. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (352) 505-1799 or filling out the online form.

Source:

fox35orlando.com/news/orange-county-firefighter-accused-cyberstalking-harassing-woman