Canadian sentenced for Twitter harassment
In 2011, Jean-Francois Champagne used Twitter to harass celebrities, a hockey player and others. The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to criminal harassment and uttering threats. While awaiting sentencing he was ordered off social media and prohibited from contacting his victims. His compliance with the court’s release terms helped when sentenced by the court.
In January, 2013, Champagne, who used the Twitter name of Jeff Sabres, was sentenced by Judge Maurice Galameau. The judge stated to Champagne that “You’ve used worrisome language, some of it was childish and you realize today it is a serious crime.” His psychiatric history was taken into consideration and was a factor in avoiding a jail sentence. Instead, Champagne was given 140 hours of community service and two years probation. He is to continue to stay off the Internet and all social media.
Jean-Francois Champagne
Champagne wrote a letter of apology to his victims stating in part “I understand I misbehaved and I regret it. You don’t have to worry about your safety, and I promise not to communicate with you.”
We have told you about other cases where teens and adults have gotten caught up in the juvenile or criminal justice system for their posts. It’s important to remember you don’t have to confront someone face-to-face to commit a crime. Acts of intimidation, harassment or stalking can occur online through an email, a tweet or in a chat room. Always think before you hit “Send” or it can backfire on you in unexpected ways.
This individual continues to break the law as we speak. A highly trained team of investigators are currently observing him in the tinychat.com domain, closing in by the day.
Dear Amaranth: That may prove to be a good thing. Cyberbullying and bullying of all types must be monitored and eventually stopped. Thanks for the update. -Judge Tom
(This is information only – not legal advice).
I’m a personal friend of Jean. He’s one of the greatest, most courteous and polite men that I’ve ever met in my life. I have a college education and am a homeowner. I’ve seen the people he “harasses” dox him online, spread his name and address, (actually illegal, where is Justice for him?) and provocatively harass him but then play victim after the fact. Most of Jeff’s comments are merely astute observations of mentally ill, out of shape, sexually deranged, and problematic people on websites who get super offended that he can see into them and accurately comment on their lives in hilarious ways. In the USA calling a camwhore a prostitute isn’t illegal, and shouldn’t be anywhere in the world. If you read his comments he’s a thoughtful and humorous person that wouldn’t have ever have prosecution in another country.
Thank you, Jess, for your comments.
Lola is correct. This man started harassing people again the DAY his internet privileges were reinstated. I have been looking over my shoulder and living with anxiety for at least 2 years because of this POS. He installs keyloggers on my computer (so he is probably reading me type this as we speak). He gains access to my camera and takes photos and videos of me when I’m alone in my house at my computer. No matter what I do, it continues to happen. I use VPNs, I bought a new computer, I changed ISP and still am being stalked. How do we contact law enforcement? What can we even do. This man is a constant disruption in my life and I am at a loss for what to do. Please help me.
Dear K.: We’re sorry to hear about your situation. As a practice we don’t provide legal advice to our readers, whether teen or adult. We suggest you simply call the local police, report what’s been going on and follow their advice. If the department is big enough, they may have a cyber-security division or, at least, an officer assigned to these crimes. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).
Hi, I just wanted to mention that this man is still harassing multiple people online, going to lengths of searching for peoples phone numbers and extensively searching individual’s personal information. For the safety of those targeted by this man, they will remain anonymous unless requested by authorities. I firmly believe this case should be re-opened, or at least have Champagne face further charges.
Dear Lola: If and when the police receive enough information about this person who continues to violate the rights of others, they may reopen their investigation. All the best, -ATJ.info
(This is information only – not legal advice)
By Nick Beres
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – All she did was answer her phone and suddenly her world turned upside down.
“She was a complete and random victim,” said Kristin Helm with the TBI. She is referring to Carrie Holt who lived more than six months in fear after police said a cyber stalker in Canada decided to target her.
“I was in shock,” said Holt.
Holt worked at a company answering phones and transferring them to other workers. But she said one caller developed an obsession with her.
“Whenever he called in he just targeted me. He didn’t want to be transferred,” said Holt.
She stopped answering the office phone, but then she said he started calling her personal phone and then even hacked her computer and Facebook. But he never stole a thing.
“I would ask him what he wanted from me and all he’d say is that he wanted to be my friend,” said Holt.
The calls never stopped. She changed numbers and her phone, but seconds later the new one would ring.
TBI agents finally tracked the calls to Canada and located a suspect: Jean Francois Champagne. Champagne was convicted and sentenced to two years probation in Canada for targeting celebrities there over the phone and Internet. But the accused cyber stalker has never been charged in Holt’s case.
Her attorney Jim Todd wants to see the U.S. attorney in Middle Tennessee push to have Champagne extradited to face charges here.
Since Champagne’s arrest in Canada the calls to Holt have stopped.
Email: nberes@newschannel5.com
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Dear Carrie: Thank you for including the additional related story to this case. Please keep us posted of any developments.