Is this a federal case?

[orson19]

I go to grad school in Pennsylvania. A girl in New York sends me unwanted texts periodically and has posted personal info of mine online under false pretenses (ie an ad seeking homosxual encounters using my name, phone number and photograph.) I am originally from new york and filled out a police report in new york.. however, since i was in PA during most of the instances, can it be treated as a federal crime? If so, what will happen? will it take longer for her to be arrested, as crimes investigated by the FBI usually take a bit longer? Will the local precinct police get involved at all? even to question her and let her know that she is on their radar and would be wise to not repeat offenses? Also, I read somewhere that in crimes which can be viewed as both federal AND state laws the defendant can decide whether to be tried in federal court or state court... is that true?

Thanks for your help.

[ryscford]

I go to grad school in Pennsylvania. A girl in New York sends me unwanted texts periodically and has posted personal info of mine online under false pretenses (ie an ad seeking homosxual encounters using my name, phone number and photograph.) I am originally from new york and filled out a police report in new york.. however, since i was in PA during most of the instances, can it be treated as a federal crime? If so, what will happen? will it take longer for her to be arrested, as crimes investigated by the FBI usually take a bit longer? Will the local precinct police get involved at all? even to question her and let her know that she is on their radar and would be wise to not repeat offenses? Also, I read somewhere that in crimes which can be viewed as both federal AND state laws the defendant can decide whether to be tried in federal court or state court... is that true?

Thanks for your help.

Ask your mommy.

[treasigh]

Not Federal at all. Barely Local. Grow some ^%#@& and get over it. The federal government has more to worry about than your bad break up.

[nissim42]

If the FBI investigated every out of state sexting issue, there wouldn't be anyone left to protect the United States from terrorist attacks.

You may have better luck filing a complaint against this woman in PA.

[aswynn81]

Pennsylvania will take jurisdiction of the case. They will not likely refer it to the Justice Department although several federal criminal statutes are implicated.

There are a number of internet and computer crimes this person could be charged with including identity theft (for placing the ad using your name). This could also be considered bias intimidation given that it has to do with sexual orientation.

You are best going through the local police and your school.

You can also report it to the discplinary board of this person's college, if they go to college. They could be expelled/suspended.

Who prosecutes the case isn't up to anyone but the government. No one has a say in the matter.

You shouldn't contact this person any longer, not even to let them know that they are being investigated. Talk only to the authorities and this person's college. Her college should have a procedure for filing a disciplinary complaint against her.