Plymouth man allegedly used AI to stalk and harass woman

Authorities arrested a Plymouth man who allegedly cyber stalked and harassed a Massachusetts woman for more than seven years.

Federal prosecutors said James Florence Jr. allegedly posted edited photos of the victim in her underwear, among other crimes. 

Florence, 36, is charged with one count of cyberstalking, according to the office of acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy.

The FBI arrested Florence on Wednesday morning, Levy’s office said. He allegedly created at least 27 unique social media accounts to harass the victim.

Charging documents say Florence first met the victim in 2017. Since then, he’s allegedly posted photos of the victim online, which were edited to make her appear fully or semi-nude. He would also allegedly post the victim’s personal information online and encourage viewers to contact her. He posted information like her name, address, professional contact information, and even colors she had dyed her hair, prosecutors said. 

Prosecutors say one caption Florence wrote said “Post & Share Her Everywhere. Make The Whore Famous.” The statement said he allegedly used AI chatbots programmed with the victim’s personal information to talk to site users. Florence allegedly posted the victim’s name, photos, and personal information to at least 13 separate websites, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said he made social media accounts in the victim’s name. He would allegedly used her photos and tag posts with phrases like “Accept It Your Exposure Is Permanent Slut” and “Enjoy Your Exposure You Naughty Bimbo. You Belong To The Internet.” 

The victim received at least 60 distressing texts, emails, or calls from unknown senders discussing the posts Florence allegedly made, the statement said.

“The defendant’s alleged actions represent a chilling window into the dangers of online harassment and cyberstalking in the digital age,” Levy said. “Using advanced technology to manipulate, torment, and publicly humiliate someone for years is not just reprehensible, it is criminal.”

One charge of cyberstalking can carry up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Authorities detained Florence on Wednesday morning, and his first hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16.