In a landmark case, Lerin E. Hughes, a 25-year-old woman from Springfield, Illinois, has been convicted of cyberstalking by a federal jury. Hughes was found guilty on two counts of cyberstalking after making repeated threatening posts on Facebook towards an employee of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The threats, which included threats to kill the two child protection workers, were sent via multiple forms of digital communication over a four-month period in 2022. Hughes now faces statutory penalties that may include up to five years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and a $100 fee. Sentencing has been scheduled for November 30, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless. This case highlights the serious consequences of cyberstalking and the efforts being made to protect individuals against online harassment.

Springfield Woman Convicted of Cyberstalking

Overview

In a recent case in Springfield, Illinois, Lerin E. Hughes, a 25-year-old woman, was found guilty of cyberstalking. The trial, which lasted for two days, presented evidence that Hughes had engaged in a pattern of threatening behavior towards an employee of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This article will provide an overview of the trial and verdict, explain the nature of the threats made by Hughes, and discuss the potential penalties she may face.

Trial and Verdict

The trial, conducted at the U.S. Courthouse in Springfield, focused on the evidence presented against Lerin E. Hughes. The prosecution demonstrated that Hughes had posted threatening messages on Facebook directed at the DCFS employee responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. Additionally, Hughes sent threatening text messages and emails, and even targeted the personal Facebook page of a caseworker from an agency contracted to work with DCFS. These threats persisted over a four-month period during the summer of 2022.

Sentencing

Lerin E. Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. The sentencing will take place at the U.S. Courthouse in Springfield, Illinois, before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless. The specific location of the courthouse was not provided in the available information. At the sentencing, the judge will consider the statutory penalties that Hughes may face for her cyberstalking convictions.

Threats Made by Lerin E. Hughes

The threats made by Lerin E. Hughes targeted an employee of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. This particular employee was responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. Hughes’ threats escalated to the point of explicitly stating her intention to kill the two child protection workers involved in the case. Such threats can have severe psychological and emotional effects on the victims and their families.

Investigation and Assistance

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a crucial role in the investigation of Lerin E. Hughes’ cyberstalking activities. With their expertise in cybercrime, the FBI was able to gather the necessary evidence against Hughes. Additionally, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department provided valuable assistance in this case, working alongside the FBI to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

Statutory Penalties

Upon conviction for cyberstalking, Lerin E. Hughes may face several statutory penalties. These penalties include a maximum imprisonment duration of five years, not more than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. In addition, Hughes may also be required to pay restitution to her victims and face additional penalties as determined by the court.

Key Players in the Case

Several key players were involved in the case against Lerin E. Hughes. Hughes herself was the primary defendant. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) played a pivotal role in the investigation, utilizing their expertise in cybercrime to collect evidence. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department also provided valuable assistance throughout the investigation. U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless will preside over the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Seberger and Sierra Senor Moore represented the government during the trial.

Related Content

For more information on issues related to cybercrime and public safety, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has released several press releases. Two press releases to note are “U.S. Attorney, IRS Caution Public to Beware of Potential Scams Related to Economic Impact Payments, COVID-19” and “USA Milhiser Op-Ed: Warrant-proof encryption threatens public safety.” These releases provide valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect the public.

Contact Information

For further information or inquiries, please contact the U.S. Attorneys Central District of Illinois. The main office can be reached at 318 S. Sixth Street, Springfield, IL 62701. Alternatively, you may contact the various regional offices in Peoria, Rock Island, and Urbana, using the provided phone numbers for each location.

Stay Connected!

To stay updated on the latest news and developments in the field of cybercrime and public safety, consider following the Central District of Illinois U.S. Attorney’s Office on Twitter and LinkedIn. These platforms provide a valuable resource for staying connected with important updates and information.

By Jesse Hull

I'm Jesse Hull, a retired Infantry Paratrooper and Outdoor Studies Major at Alaska Pacific University - and I am the mind behind Grimy Times - your portal to the darkest, grittiest news stories spanning the globe. With a tagline like "Grimiest News From Around The World!" you can expect no less. I bring you the most unearthed stories, guaranteeing authenticity without sugarcoating. From shadowy urban alleys to the most remote corners of our planet, my coverage knows no bounds.