The U.S. Justice Department released the below information on October 25th:
SAN
DIEGO – U.S. Navy Captain Theodore E. Essenfeld was sentenced in federal court
today to 37 months in prison for cyberstalking and stealing the identity
of his former girlfriend.
“Today’s sentencing marks the end of this perpetrator’s reign of
cyber terror,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Cyberstalking is not just a
nuisance or harmless prank; it’s a serious crime with devastating consequences.
The torment this victim endured has profoundly impacted her life, and those who
think they can hide behind a screen should know that justice will prevail.
During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie
acknowledged the ordeal of the victim, saying, “I commend her courage and
strength for coming forward.”
Essenfeld was convicted by a federal jury in June. During the
four-day trial, the United States presented evidence that Essenfeld created
imposter Facebook, LinkedIn, email, and cellular phone accounts using the
woman’s name, biographical information, and photographs without her knowledge
or consent. Posing as the victim, Essenfeld posted erotic and sexually explicit
content to the Facebook account, as well as graphic media files or “memes,”
many of which were sexually demeaning to women.
In addition to the materials posted on the imposter Facebook
account, the United States presented evidence that Essenfeld joined Facebook
dating groups using the imposter account and interacted with numerous other
Facebook users while impersonating the victim, including “liking” other users’
posts, sending messages with kissy-face emojis, and sending group messages.
Essenfeld linked the imposter Facebook and LinkedIn accounts to the victim’s
prospective employer by following and engaging with the prospective employer’s
social media accounts. He also linked the fake accounts to other aspects of the
victim’s life by “liking” posts by her former co-workers, her university, the
U.S. Navy, and fitness studios she previously attended.
Over 1,200 Facebook users ultimately became “friends” with the
imposter account, including the victims’ former colleagues. The evidence showed
that the victim reported the imposter account to Facebook more than 400 times,
but Facebook refused to take down the account because it appeared more
authentic than the victim’s actual account due to the volume of images and
level of Essenfeld’s engagement on the platform.
Even after Essenfeld became aware of the investigation, and he
was arrested and released on bond, he continued his cybercrime spree by
creating new “fan club” pages on Wikipedia and WikiAlpha, and “fan club”
accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube that presented as if they were
operated by a “fan” of the victim. Essenfeld used these fan club accounts to
continue to post images and content about the victim. Prior to trial, U.S.
District Judge Robert Huie ordered that bond be revoked and Essenfeld be taken
into custody based on the fan club accounts. At sentencing, Judge Huie found
that Essenfeld should be held accountable for the fan club accounts and
considered them as relevant conduct for Essenfeld’s sentencing.
“Mr. Essenfeld betrayed his oath to the Navy and has been held
to account for his calculated and cruel campaign to stalk, harass, and
intimidate his victim,” said Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter of the
NCIS Southwest Field Office. “Cyberstalking is a felony-level crime that has no
place within the ranks and we remain committed to exposing those who torment
their victims online.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabrina Feve and Michael A. Deshong.
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