A Maryland man has been indicted on charges of cyberstalking his ex-girlfriend through text messages, phone calls, and social media.
cyberstalking (Photo: Cyberbullying Research Center)
Derik Wayne Bowers, a 44-year-old resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, was charged with one count of stalking.
The indictment was made by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of West Virginia. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bowers allegedly called his ex-girlfriend 815 times over a 48-hour period. He also sent her thousands of harassing text messages and used social media to embarrass her and interfere with her livelihood.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld said that cyberstalking is a serious problem that is taken seriously in West Virginia. He encouraged victims of cyberstalking to file a police report so that the perpetrators can be investigated and held accountable.
Cyberstalking involves the use of technology to harass or intimidate someone. It can take many forms, such as sending threatening or unwanted messages, tracking someone’s online activity, or posting personal information online.
Cyberstalking can have a significant impact on a victim’s emotional and mental well-being.
If convicted, Bowers could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Cyberstalking is a federal offense under the Interstate Stalking Punishment and Prevention Act, which was enacted in 1996. This law makes it illegal to use any form of communication to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone across state lines.
The indictment of Bowers serves as a reminder that cyberstalking is a serious crime that can have severe consequences. Victims of cyberstalking should report the behavior to law enforcement as soon as possible.
