The FBI’s Baltimore Field Office is actively seeking to identify potential victims of Richard Michael Roe, who has recently been indicted on charges of cyberstalking under federal law.
The charges allege that Roe engaged in a campaign of harassment through phone calls, text messages, and emails, targeting multiple victims over the course of a year. The FBI’s investigation uncovered that Roe used spoofed phone numbers and email accounts to conduct this harassment.
The indictment against Richard Michael Roe is a significant step in addressing the cyberstalking activities that allegedly took place from December 2019 until January 2021. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and Roe is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the charges, Roe’s cyberstalking involved making numerous phone calls and sending multiple text messages daily to his victims. The FBI believes that approximately six individuals and two businesses were targeted during this period.
FBI’s Call for Public Assistance
The FBI is reaching out to the public for assistance in identifying additional victims who may have been harassed by Roe.
“If you and/or anyone you know were victimized by Roe, or if you have information relevant to this investigation, please fill out this short form,” reads the FBI release.
The agency has set up a dedicated email, [email protected], and a short form for individuals to provide information. Your responses are voluntary but could be crucial in furthering the federal investigation and identifying additional victims.
The FBI is legally required to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims of such crimes may be eligible for various services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law. Identifying victims is not only a legal mandate but also an essential part of ensuring that those affected by Roe’s alleged cyberstalking receive the support and justice they deserve.
The FBI assures that all identities of victims will be kept confidential. “Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. All identities of victims will be kept confidential.”
The Impact of Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is a serious offense that can have profound effects on the lives of victims. It involves the use of digital means to harass, intimidate, and threaten individuals, leading to emotional distress, fear, and disruption of daily life.
The use of spoofed phone numbers and email accounts, as alleged in Roe’s case, can make it challenging for victims to trace the source of harassment, adding to their anxiety and sense of vulnerability.
How to Recognize Cyberstalking
Victims of cyberstalking often experience repeated, unwanted contact through digital communication methods. This can include:
- Frequent and persistent phone calls, often from unknown or spoofed numbers.
- Harassing text messages that may contain threats or abusive language.
- Unwanted emails that may be difficult to trace back to the sender.
If you have experienced such behaviors, it is crucial to report them to authorities. The FBI’s current efforts to identify victims of Roe underline the importance of addressing and combating cyberstalking.