Man sentenced to 1 year in jail for stalking woman on Facebook

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A man was sentenced to one year in jail for misdemeanor stalking and using a computer to harass a woman.

Court records show that Sean Michael Conroy, 30, created a fraudulent Facebook account for a woman who lived with his family over a decade ago. Since that time, Conroy and the victim had little contact.

In August of last year, the victim discovered a fraudulent Facebook account that included her name and profile picture as well as personal information degrading comments, and indecent requests.

The fraudulent account garnered unwanted online and offline contact from strange men and caused the victim to fear for her safety.

In September, the victim reported the page to Norfolk Police. Based on some of the personal content posted, she told police Conroy may have been responsible for the page.

After securing a search warrant, a Special Crimes Unit detective discovered that Conroy’s number was connected to the fraudulent account. The detective also learned that Conroy said he was responsible for the account in a string of direct messages to another person.

In November, the victim secured warrants for Conroy’s arrest from a Norfolk Magistrate, and Conroy was arrested days later.

In January, Conroy was found guilty of misdemeanor stalking and using a computer for harassment. Conroy appealed his convictions but was found guilty Tuesday by Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. during a bench trial.

“Mr. Conroy engaged in dangerous and inappropriate offenses against the victim here, and while the crimes were misdemeanors, they are more serious than some felonies,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “We have held Mr. Conroy accountable for what he has done, and his punishment fits his crime.”

Judge Martin sentenced Conroy to 12 months in jail, with another 12 months suspended on the conditions he display good behavior for one year, have no contact with the victim and her family, and delete the Facebook page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.