A 36-year-old man from Plymouth, Massachusetts, was arrested on Wednesday, accused of orchestrating a seven-year-long cyberstalking and harassment campaign against a female professor. The suspect, identified as James Florence Jr., allegedly employed advanced artificial intelligence tools to create non-consensual explicit images and a chatbot impersonating the victim, which he used to disseminate her personal information on a platform known for AI-driven adult content.

According to court records unsealed this week, Florence Jr. faces charges including cyberstalking and the unlawful creation and distribution of sexually explicit material without consent. The investigation revealed that between late 2017 and July 2024, he allegedly posted 128 doctored images of the victim, including nude and semi-nude depictions, on websites designed to shame women. These posts were accompanied by the victim’s personal details, such as her name, email address, home address, phone number, and workplace information.

The harassment extended to the creation of at least three AI-driven chatbots on two different platforms between September 2023 and July 2024. These chatbots were programmed with extensive personal and professional information about the victim, enabling them to mimic her in conversations with unsuspecting users. Details included her date of birth, home address, employment history, hobbies, and even sensitive information like the date of her mother’s death.

An affidavit detailing the charges stated, “If another user interacting with the chatbot asked the ‘Victim’ where she lived, the chatbot could provide the Victim’s true home address followed by ‘Why don’t you come over?’”

One of the platforms utilized was identified as Crushon.ai, a website that promotes itself as an “unfiltered” AI character chat service, allowing for explicit content without restrictions. The site explicitly bans the use of real-life images or impersonations of real individuals, including celebrities and private persons. Despite this policy, Florence Jr. allegedly exploited the platform to further his harassment campaign.

The victim, whose identity is being protected, reportedly endured years of torment that included stolen personal items, threatening emails, and harassing messages on social media platforms such as Twitter and Reddit. Court documents indicate that she received at least 60 distressing communications from unknown senders referencing her images and personal information posted online.

Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, commented on the case, stating, “Today, the FBI arrested James Florence Jr. for allegedly trying to hide behind his keyboard to sadistically cyberstalk and surveil the victim in this case, inflicting immense trauma and pain on both her and her family.”

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy also weighed in, saying, “The defendant’s alleged actions represent a chilling window into the dangers of online harassment and cyberstalking in the digital age. Using advanced technology to manipulate, torment, and publicly humiliate someone for years is not just reprehensible; it is criminal.”

According to the charging documents, Florence Jr. initially met the victim through a mutual friend and attended gatherings at her residence between 2015 and 2017. The harassment began in earnest in late 2017, escalating over the years to include the use of AI technology to amplify his efforts.

The suspect allegedly created multiple social media accounts and email addresses to anonymously disseminate the altered images and personal information. He is accused of encouraging others to harass the victim by posting her details on forums with titles such as “Own & Share [Victim’s Name] — Make This [Expletive] Famous.” These actions reportedly led to direct harassment from other individuals online.

Florence Jr. made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Wednesday and was detained pending a hearing scheduled for September 16. He faces charges that could result in up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

“Our office is dedicated to ensuring that individuals who exploit online platforms to stalk, harass, and exploit others are held accountable,” Levy added. “We will continue to use every resource available to protect victims of these crimes and to bring justice to keyboard cowards who abuse the digital landscape for their own malicious purposes.”

The case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence in facilitating cybercrimes, particularly stalking and harassment. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who believes they may be a victim of similar crimes to come forward.

As the investigation continues, the FBI and federal prosecutors emphasize the seriousness of cyberstalking offenses, especially when advanced technologies are employed to exacerbate the harm inflicted on victims.