US Attorney's Office Takes Action in Seven-Year Cyberstalking Case in Massachusetts

PLYMOUTH, Mass.

In mid-September, the FBI arrested James Florence Jr., 36, for one count of cyberstalking, for allegedly cyberstalking a victim for approximately seven years. According to the charging documents, Florence met the victim through a friend and had attended parties at the victim's residence between 2015 and 2017. Prosecutors allege that Florence created various social media accounts and email addresses to anonymously torment his victim. Based upon a review of the charging documents, it appears that at least 27 accounts were used "to harass, impersonate, or otherwise cause the victim substantial emotional distress." Allegations include Florence's sharing of his victim's personally identifiable information, including her address, email, and passwords, as well as posting digitally altered images on at least 13 websites which made the victim appear nude or semi-nude. Florence allegedly also used AI-driven chatbots to mimic conversation to unknown strangers through text or voice interaction, using the victim's personal details.

The victim received threatening messages from social media and email accounts allegedly controlled by Florence, in addition to "harassing and extorting communications that are believed to be from users who messaged the victim as a result of Florence's posts encouraging them to do so." According to the US Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, the victim has received "at least 60 distressing text messages, emails or calls from unknown senders...discussing her image and information".

If convicted, the charge of stalking via electronic means carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.