Legal Question in Technology Law in Illinois

E-mail harassment/stalking/defamation of character

Approximately, a year and a half ago, I befriended a man, in a platonic friendship through the Internet. We would meet for coffee, as it was platonic. He was a confidant.

Fast forward to December 2004. This person, who I THOUGHT I knew, saved ever single e-mail I had ever sent to him, and e-mailed them to my husband, my boss, the President of the company I was working for, my colleagues, and everyone I come into contact with at work.He had in turn faxed all my PERSONAL e-mails to my husbands place of employment for all his colleagues to read. Some of this information was incredibly personal, and violated my trust. I can accept responsibility for my actions however I'm more concerned for my safety, and the career of my husband. Now I am separated, with a pending divorce, resigned from my position, because of public humiliation, moved out of state, forced to leave my home, and my husband is severely stressed. I sent a warning e-mail to the offender to stop which in turn spawned him to print the e-mails, and mail them to my husbands office. He has not done anything threatening.

Is there ANYTHING I could do? My life is already ruined, but why should my husband suffer for my mistakes? How can he be stopped?


Asked on 1/08/05, 10:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Curt Handley, Esq. Law Office of Curt Handley

Re: E-mail harassment/stalking/defamation of character

I have received numerous calls and emails regarding cyberstalking. Unfortunately, it is a very serious problem and while most states have statutes against it, many (including Illinois) have the statutes drawn to narrowly to be of assistance unless you're being physically threatened somehow...

My first advice is that if you have any contact information on the stalker, provide this information immediately to local law enforcement in the state in which the stalker resides. Even if they can't do anything right now, at least they're on notice and aware. Cyberstalkers often pick multiple "targets", so you may be part of a larger group.

Illinois' current cyberstalking and electronic harassment laws apply only if the contact was obscene, threatened you with harm/confinement, or somehow interferred with your electronic communications. You can find a quick compendium of Illinois and other cyberstalking laws at http://www.haltabuse.org/resources/laws/illinois.shtml.

Without knowing more facts, I can't really say what cause of action may exist for you and/or your husband. I am sorry for the pain you have suffered.

Sincerely,

Curt Handley, Esq.

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Answered on 1/09/05, 3:42 pm


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