Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking The legal definition of cyberstalking states that anyone using the internet in any form, to threaten a person repeatedly is guilty of cyberstalking. Often these emails are systematic in nature. Their purpose is to annoy, embarrass, intimidate or threaten a person or their family. The fact that cyber crimes are so relatively new means that the laws haven’t fully caught up to the crimes that are evolving daily. In Michigan cyberstalking falls in the stalking laws stating that sending mail or electronic communications to an individual for the purpose of harassment is a form of stalking. The punishments for cyberstalking in Michigan consist of either probation up to five years or imprisonment for not more than one year and/or a fine of $1,000. However, if the victim is under eighteen years old at the time of the harassment and the suspect is five or more years older than the victim then the crime becomes a felony. The felony version of cyberstalking is punishable by not more than five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. The emails that Ms. Simmons received are attached below for verification. 1.) To: Cynsimmons23@yahoo.com April 12, 2010 From: Undisclosed sender Cyn, U looked great tonite, that purple dress has always been a favorite of mine. 2.) To: Cynsimmons23@yahoo.com April 14, 2010 From: Undisclosed sender Cyn, why are you being like this' I love you and won’t live without u!!!!! 3.) To: Cynsimmons23@yahoo.com April 14, 2010 From: Undisclosed sender Cyn, UR mom should be more careful walking rover at night ALONE!! After careful evaluation of the above emails along with the voicemails that Ms. Simmons has relayed to this department it is clear that this is a case of cyberstalking and Mr. Jacob Myers will be brought in for questioning. Ms. Simmons was also advised to obtain an order for personal protection.