A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Tennessee has indicted Gabryele “Gabby” Watson, a 26-year-old Athens resident, on charges of cyberstalking and transmitting interstate threats to kidnap or injure.
The indictment alleges that Watson engaged in a complex adoption scam targeting a couple residing in the Middle District of Tennessee.
Watson is accused of using electronic communications to harass and intimidate the couple, causing them substantial emotional distress. Additionally, she allegedly transmitted threats across state lines during her interactions with the victims.
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The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Nashville Resident Agency, in collaboration with the Memphis Field Office. U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis announced the indictment, emphasizing the serious nature of the charges and the potential impact on the victims.
If convicted, Watson faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the digital world and the importance of vigilance when engaging in online interactions.
The U.S. Attorney’s office has not released further details about the specific nature of the adoption scam or the content of the threats. However, the indictment highlights the increasing prevalence of cyberstalking and online harassment, which can have devastating consequences for victims.
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Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of cyberstalking or online threats to report the incident to law enforcement. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) provides a platform for individuals to report internet-related crimes and receive assistance.
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