Navy Captain Used Fake Profiles to Ruin Ex’s Life

SAN DIEGO, CA – Theodore E. Essenfeld, 52, of Chula Vista, CA, a U.S. Navy Captain, is facing serious time after a federal jury convicted him today of a calculated and disturbing cyberstalking campaign against his former girlfriend. The case, laid bare over a four-day trial, revealed a meticulous effort to dismantle the victim’s life using fabricated online personas.

Prosecutors presented evidence showing Essenfeld didn’t just stalk – he became his ex. He created fake accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and through email and cellular services, meticulously crafting them using her name, biographical details, and even photographs, all without her consent. Then came the venom: the imposter Facebook account was used to post erotic and sexually explicit content, alongside graphic “memes,” designed to shock and humiliate.

The deception didn’t stop at salacious material. Essenfeld actively engaged with others *as* his victim, joining Facebook dating groups, “liking” posts, sending flirtatious messages complete with kissy-face emojis, and even sending group messages. The scheme extended to her professional life, with the fake accounts strategically linked to her prospective employer’s social media, and to connections with former colleagues, her university, the U.S. Navy itself, and even fitness studios she’d frequented. Over 1,200 Facebook users fell for the ruse, becoming “friends” with the imposter profile.

The victim, understandably, fought back, reporting the fake account to Facebook over 400 times. But the platform, shockingly, refused to remove it. The sheer volume of content and engagement created by Essenfeld made the imposter account appear *more* authentic than the real one, effectively silencing the victim and allowing the harassment to continue unchecked. It was a digital fortress of lies built to inflict maximum damage.

“The impact of cyberstalking can be as crushing as a physical blow,” stated U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Thanks to the persistent courage of this victim, the jury saw the damage Mr. Essenfeld inflicted in every aspect of her life – from her workplace to her gym – and today, they held him accountable for his acts of deceit and destruction.” NCIS Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Carter added, “Mr. Essenfeld deserves to be held to account for his cruel campaign to stalk, harass, and intimidate his victim…NCIS remains committed to protecting victims of cyberstalking.”

Essenfeld now faces a September 6, 2024, sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie. He’s been convicted on two counts: Count 1: Cyberstalking (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A(2)(B)), carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and Count 2: Identity Theft (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1028(a)(7)), which carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sabrina Feve and Michael A. Deshong. Case Number: 23cr0177-RSH.

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