Rigby Man Charged with Cyberstalking Massachusetts Academic

Cyberstalker Obsessed wiht University Student Faces federal Charges After Five Months of Harassment

BOSTON, MA – A man identified as Kay is facing federal charges for cyberstalking a university student he met through an online course, engaging in a relentless campaign of harassment that spanned five months and included over 80 communications via email and LinkedIn. The case, announced by United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, Leah B. Foley, highlights the disturbing progression of online fixation into real-world threats.

the alleged stalking began in January after Kay enrolled in an online course on psychosis taught by the victim at a university’s extension school. Despite only interacting with her briefly, once on Zoom and once in a virtual class, Kay reportedly became fixated on the victim. He afterward dropped the course and initiated a sustained period of harassment.

Court documents reveal a troubling pattern of communication. Between January and June,Kay sent the victim more than 80 harassing messages,some sent from an anonymous email account,expressing his “adoration and love” and repeatedly mentioning her minor child by name.

In one notably disturbing LinkedIn message on April 1st, kay wrote, “I miss you – truly, deeply – with all of my heart and soul. That day I saw you on Zoom … you were the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Not just appearance. everything. Your presence. Your mind. Your light. To gain you … and then to lose you like that? it devastated me.”

The harassment escalated in May. On May 9th, Kay allegedly emailed several university offices, with the victim copied, stating, “Dr. (victim’s last name) has been copied on all communications. She knows what is coming.” He further declared, “Every day, starting today, will mark a new action of serious outcome taken by me in accordance with divine alignment and institutional justice.”

A stark example of the escalating intimidation occurred on May 12th, when an anonymous email, sent from an address containing the victim’s name, professed Kay’s love, encouraged her to leave the university, and ominously stated, “You are still free. But you are not unreachable.”

Further details emerged suggesting the depth of Kay’s obsession. Police reported that Kay confided in another university professor about his fixation on the victim and his desire to separate her from her husband.

The cyberstalking culminated in an email on June 5th to the victim and the university president. In this message, Kay allegedly revealed he had purchased a nonrefundable, first-class plane ticket to attend an in-person class at the university that summer, despite having been banned from enrolling in its courses. While airline records confirmed a one-way flight to Boston Logan Airport scheduled for July 11th, police stated Kay did not board the flight.

Kay was subsequently arrested in Rigby and booked into the Bingham County Jail in Blackfoot. The cyberstalking charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The declaration was made by U.S. Attorney Foley and special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks of the FBI’s Boston Division. The FBI’s Salt Lake City division and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the examination. Assistant U.S.Attorney Allegra Flamm is prosecuting the case.

What constitutes cyberstalking under federal law (18 U.S.C.§ 2261A)?

Published: 2025/07/21 03:23:13 | Author: James Carter | Website: archyde.com

The Case: Allegations of Persistent online Harassment

A Rigby, Idaho man, identified as 32-year-old Ethan Miller, faces federal charges related to cyberstalking a tenured professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The indictment, unsealed earlier this month, details a years-long campaign of online harassment targeting Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading researcher in computational linguistics. This case highlights the growing prevalence of online harassment, cyberstalking laws, and the challenges faced by academics in protecting themselves from targeted abuse. The charges stem from actions beginning in late 2022 and continuing through early 2025.

details of the Alleged Cyberstalking Campaign

The prosecution alleges Miller engaged in a multifaceted cyberstalking campaign,utilizing various online platforms to harass and intimidate Dr. Sharma. Key elements of the alleged harassment include:

Doxing: Publicly revealing Dr. Sharma’s personal information, including her home address and family details, on online forums and social media. This act of doxing is a serious offense,often preceding physical threats.

Threats of Violence: Sending direct messages and posting online comments containing explicit and veiled threats against Dr. Sharma and her family. These threats escalated over time,causing significant emotional distress.

Impersonation: Creating fake social media profiles in Dr.Sharma’s name and posting damaging or misleading content. This online impersonation aimed to damage her professional reputation.

Repeated Contact: Sending hundreds of unsolicited emails and messages to Dr. Sharma’s university email address and personal accounts, despite repeated requests to cease contact. This constitutes harassment and stalking.

Website Creation: Establishing a website dedicated to disparaging Dr.Sharma’s work and character, filled with false accusations and personal attacks. This falls under the umbrella of cyber defamation.

The indictment specifically cites violations of 18 U.S.C. § 2261A, the federal law prohibiting interstate cyberstalking.

Understanding Cyberstalking Laws & Penalties

Cyberstalking is defined as using electronic communication to harass or threaten another person.The legal definition varies by state and federal jurisdiction,but generally includes behaviors that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others.

Federal Penalties: Conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 2261A can result in imprisonment of up to five years, fines, and restitution to the victim.

Massachusetts State laws: Massachusetts has specific laws addressing harassment and stalking (M.G.L. c. 265, §§ 43, 43A, 43B), which could potentially be applied in conjunction with federal charges. Penalties under state law vary depending on the severity of the offense.

Interstate Element: The fact that Miller resides in Idaho and targeted a victim in Massachusetts is crucial, as it establishes the interstate element required for federal jurisdiction.

The Impact on academic Freedom & Safety

This case raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of academics, especially those who engage in public discourse or research on controversial topics. Online harassment can have a chilling effect on academic freedom, discouraging scholars from expressing their views or pursuing certain lines of inquiry.

Dr. sharma’s case isn’t isolated. Reports of cyberstalking of academics have been increasing in recent years, fueled by the anonymity and reach of the internet. Universities are struggling to provide adequate protection for their faculty and staff.

Real-World Example: The Case of Dr. Randi Zuckerberg

While not directly related, the experiences of Dr. Randi Zuckerberg (Mark zuckerberg’s sister) with online harassment in 2013, following a tweet about a Passover Seder, demonstrate the speed and intensity with which online abuse can escalate. Though different in nature, it highlights the vulnerability of public figures to targeted attacks. This case, and others like it, spurred increased awareness of digital safety and the need for stronger online protections.

Protecting Yourself from Cyberstalking: Practical Tips

Individuals, particularly those in the public eye, can take steps to mitigate the risk of cyberstalking:

1. Privacy Settings: Review and strengthen privacy settings on all social media accounts. Limit the amount of personal information shared publicly.
2. Online Footprint: Regularly search for your name online and attempt to remove or suppress unwanted information. Utilize reputation management services if necessary.
3. Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
4. Reporting Mechanisms: Familiarize yourself with the reporting mechanisms of various online platforms and utilize them to report harassment or threats.
5. Documentation: Keep detailed records of all instances of harassment, including screenshots, emails, and messages. This documentation is crucial for law enforcement investigations.
6. Security Software: Utilize anti-virus and anti-malware software to protect your devices from hacking and data breaches.
7. Consider a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can mask your IP address and enhance your online privacy.
8. Seek Support: If you are experiencing cyberstalking, reach out to law enforcement, a victim advocacy organization, or a mental health professional for support.Resources like the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) can provide assistance.

Benefits of Increased Awareness & Legal Action

Prosecuting cases of cyberstalking, like the one involving Ethan Miller and Dr.Sharma, sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated. Increased awareness of cyberstalking laws and the availability of resources for victims can empower individuals to protect themselves and seek help. Furthermore, it encourages online platforms to take more proactive steps to prevent and address online harassment. The focus on digital security and online safety is paramount in the modern age.