October 28, 2024 – SAN DIEGO, CA – U.S. Navy Captain Theodore E. Essenfeld was sentenced in federal court on Friday to 37 months in prison for cyberstalking and stealing the identity of his former girlfriend. 

“Today’s sentencing marks the end of this perpetrator’s reign of cyber terror,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Cyberstalking is not just a nuisance or harmless prank; it’s a serious crime with devastating consequences. The torment this victim endured has profoundly impacted her life, and those who think they can hide behind a screen should know that justice will prevail.

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie acknowledged the ordeal of the victim, saying, “I commend her courage and strength for coming forward.”

Essenfeld was convicted by a federal jury in June. During the four-day trial, the United States presented evidence that Essenfeld created imposter Facebook, LinkedIn, email, and cellular phone accounts using the woman’s name, biographical information, and photographs without her knowledge or consent. Posing as the victim, Essenfeld posted erotic and sexually explicit content to the Facebook account, as well as graphic media files or “memes,” many of which were sexually demeaning to women. 

In addition to the materials posted on the imposter Facebook account, the United States presented evidence that Essenfeld joined Facebook dating groups using the imposter account and interacted with numerous other Facebook users while impersonating the victim, including “liking” other users’ posts, sending messages with kissy-face emojis, and sending group messages. Essenfeld linked the imposter Facebook and LinkedIn accounts to the victim’s prospective employer by following and engaging with the prospective employer’s social media accounts. He also linked the fake accounts to other aspects of the victim’s life by “liking” posts by her former co-workers, her university, the U.S. Navy, and fitness studios she previously attended.

Over 1,200 Facebook users ultimately became “friends” with the imposter account, including the victims’ former colleagues. The evidence showed that the victim reported the imposter account to Facebook more than 400 times, but Facebook refused to take down the account because it appeared more authentic than the victim’s actual account due to the volume of images and level of Essenfeld’s engagement on the platform.

Even after Essenfeld became aware of the investigation, and he was arrested and released on bond, he continued his cybercrime spree by creating new “fan club” pages on Wikipedia and WikiAlpha, and “fan club” accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube that presented as if they were operated by a “fan” of the victim. Essenfeld used these fan club accounts to continue to post images and content about the victim. Prior to trial, U.S. District Judge Robert Huie ordered that bond be revoked and Essenfeld be taken into custody based on the fan club accounts. At sentencing, Judge Huie found that Essenfeld should be held accountable for the fan club accounts and considered them as relevant conduct for Essenfeld’s sentencing.

“Mr. Essenfeld betrayed his oath to the Navy and has been held to account for his calculated and cruel campaign to stalk, harass, and intimidate his victim,” said Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter of the NCIS Southwest Field Office. “Cyberstalking is a felony-level crime that has no place within the ranks and we remain committed to exposing those who torment their victims online.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabrina Feve and Michael A. Deshong.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 23cr0177-RSH               

Theodore E. Essenfeld                               Age: 53                             Chula Vista, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Count 1: Cyberstalking – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A(2)(B)

Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine

Count 2: Identity Theft – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1028(a)(7)

Maximum penalty: Fifteen years in prison and $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCY

Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)