Cyberstalking case sends victim’s workplace into lockdown

An Alaskan man has been found guilty of a four-year cyberstalking campaign, during which he used technology to control the victim’s life.

A five-day trial, court documents, and evidence presented at trial revealed the twisted nature of the four-year attack on one unnamed woman.

The perpetrator, Rolando Hernandez-Zemora, 40, tirelessly stalked the woman between 2016 and 2020 using location-tracking software, text messages, and video calls in an attempt to control her life.

The victim ultimately acquired a protective order against Hernandez-Zemora, but the cyberstalking continued.

Cyberstalking is the act of using online tools such as email or social media to stalk and harass an individual.

In the lead-up to his arrest, Hernandez-Zemora threatened the victim’s colleagues and family members, which included threats of violence.

As a result of these violent threats, the victim’s workplace “went into lockdown” from late April to early May 2020.

Typically, the lockdown process involves locking every door, window, or entry and exit point in the office space to stop all entry and exit attempts. No one is allowed in or out of the area.

This process is particularly prevalent in the US, where gun crime and shootings regularly occur.

However, the extent of this particular lockdown wasn’t specified.

The assailant was eventually taken into custody in May 2020 after evading arrest for two days.

US Attorney S. Lane Tucker commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward and telling her story. Tucker hopes the conviction is “the first step in closure and justice for those impacted by this case.”

Tucker continues by deeming Hernandez-Zemora a menace to society and a serious danger to the community, as shown by his violent threats.

Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office said, “The defendant’s disturbing pattern of conduct involved threats of violence and cyberstalking harassment, which caused substantial fear of harm and emotional distress.”

She concluded that “today’s verdict underscores our commitment to hold accountable those who commit such crimes.”