US man used AI chatbots to cyberstalk women for 7 years, feds say

The woman’s name, image and other personal information was shared across at least 13 websites, with 27 unique accounts used to harass, impersonate and cause her substantial emotional distress. — Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

A Plymouth man suspected of stalking women online as part of a campaign that included posting personal information and digitally altered photos, as well as using artificial intelligence-driven chatbots to pretend to be people, was arrested on Wednesday, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levy’s office announced.

James Florence Jr., 36, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking, Levy’s office said in a statement. After his initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Florence’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept 16.