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A chilling cyberstalking case has ended with a 10-year prison sentence for Shaninth Michael Ray, 38, of Chicago. Between April 2023 and October 2023, Ray terrorized an Iowa resident, threatening to kill them and their family members despite a no-contact order. The threats were made via phone, text, and video on multiple platforms, with Ray even displaying a gun in one video. Ray’s motivation for the threats is unclear, but his history of domestic abuse convictions and protection order violations suggests a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Ray’s threats were explicit and violent, with him stating he would ‘end’ the victim’s life and ‘bash [their] face in with a rock.’ He continued to contact the victim even after his arrest in Minnesota in October 2023 for possession of a gun as a convicted felon. Ray’s criminal history is marked by numerous convictions for domestic abuse, assault, and harassment.
The case was investigated by the Mason City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Ray to 120 months’ imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, citing his ‘atrocious and disgraceful’ criminal history. Ray will also serve a three-year term of supervised release after his prison term.
Ray is currently being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case highlights the seriousness with which law enforcement and the courts take cyberstalking and online threats. With no parole in the federal system, Ray will serve his full sentence for his crimes.
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