A 39-year-old man, Sarju Patel, from North Bergen, has been arrested on charges of stalking, cyber-harassment, and harassment, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. Patel is accused of engaging in a disturbing pattern of behavior, including creating social media accounts using the likeness of his victims.
READ: New York Businesses Ordered to Require Masks Indoors or Vaccine Proof
North Bergen
The arrest took place on Monday after members of the prosecutor’s Cyber Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at Patel’s residence as part of a stalking investigation led by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.
The investigation allegedly revealed that Patel had been stalking his victims through various means. One disturbing method involved creating social media accounts using numerous vanity names that closely resembled his victims. Through these accounts, Patel allegedly posted photographs of the victims and engaged in other forms of online harassment.
In addition to the online activities, Patel is accused of physically intruding into the lives of his victims. He allegedly checked in online at various locations associated with the victims and their families. Furthermore, the prosecutor’s office claims that Patel went to the extent of sending physical letters to the workplace of one of the victims.
Stalking is a serious offense that involves unwanted and obsessive attention towards an individual, causing fear and distress. Cyber-harassment, in particular, involves the use of digital platforms to stalk, threaten, or harass someone. Such behavior is not only emotionally distressing but can also have severe consequences for the mental well-being of the victims.
The arrest of Sarju Patel highlights the growing concern around stalking and harassment through online platforms. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on cybercrime units to address these modern challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in both the physical and digital realms.
Patel’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of online safety and the need for individuals to be vigilant about their digital presence. Social media users are urged to adopt privacy settings, report any suspicious activities promptly, and seek assistance if they believe they are victims of stalking or cyber-harassment. The legal system continues to adapt to address these evolving challenges, emphasizing the severity of such offenses and the consequences for those engaging in stalking behaviors.
-
-
-
-
