(Puerto Rico Police Department (Twitter))
(AP) – A Puerto Rico man accused of creating 300 Twitter accounts to harass people online has been arrested in the first case of its kind for the U.S. territory, authorities said Tuesday.
The island's Justice Department said 27-year-old Omar Falcon Torres is suspected of operating under the name "MedeaBot" for two years. He faces charges that include stalking, misappropriation of identity and intimidating witnesses in part by sending people "violent sexual imagery" and using violent language, authorities said.
A judge in September issued a warrant for Falcon, who was arrested late Monday at a relative's house in the central mountain town of Comerio.
Officials said they believe he targeted dozens of people although only eight of them filed formal complaints against him.
It was not clear if Falcon has an attorney. He is being held on $180,000 bond until a Dec. 21 preliminary hearing. He faces 58 charges, of which 12 are felonies, and faces up to 8 years in prison, according to El Nuevo Dia.
- Maria from ‘Sesame Street’ talks retirement, legacy and ‘Oscar the Grouch’
- Our American Dream: From Dishwasher to Business Leader – Thanks Abuela
- East Harlem bookstore highlighting Latino literature started through community crowdfunding
- Puerto Rico works to clinch debt restructuring deals
- Once unknown, story of WWII Latino Tuskegee Airman uncovered
- Misery deepens for those in Puerto Rico who can’t leave
- Mass wedding in Puerto Rico celebrates gay marriage
- NYC Council speaker wants her voice on immigration to be heard on national stage
The Justice Department began investigating after people contacted police to complain about Falcon's online behavior, judicial spokeswoman Gingger Correa told The Associated Press.
Authorities declined to provide any other details including a possible motive or whether the victims knew Falcon. Correa said officials are barred from talking about the case because the evidence will be presented Dec. 21 in court before a judge expected to decide whether Falcon will face trial.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.