SAN DIEGO - Naval seaman Sergio Reinaldo Williams pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he sent graphic sexual messages via social media to a civilian woman and members of her family, posted sexual videos of her on Pornhub.com without her knowledge or consent, and sent screenshots of the Pornhub.com videos to the victim’s niece.
According to the plea agreement, Williams caused substantial emotional distress to the victim and her family with his virtual attacks. He admitted that he wrote a Facebook message to the victim on Oct. 11, 2020: “I know it all. Don't worry about it the rest of the world will too. I felt your pain, now you're going to feel mine…you will remember me no matter what."
After Williams posted the videos on Pornhub and the victim texted him about it, Williams replied: “You did this. Like I said, I felt your sting, now you’re going to feel mine."
Williams also repeatedly threatened the victim, texting her “I'm always around and my eyes are everywhere" and, after she blocked him on social media, “U want it to be over with and this fade away, unblock me and video me…it will only get worse if u don’t."
“The defendant conducted a disturbing campaign of revenge, harassment and intimidation that inflicted tremendous emotional distress on the victim and her family," said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “We are committed to seeking justice for victims of cyberstalking and holding the stalkers accountable for their malicious and devastating virtual attacks." Grossman commended the prosecution team and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and DOJ teams that diligently pursued this matter.
Williams is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Cynthia A. Bashant for sentencing on May 2, 2022 at 9 a.m.
This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with assistance provided by the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
Those who have experienced cyberstalking by an active duty service member are urged to contact the following anonymous tip lines: https://www.ncis.navy.mil/Resources/NCIS-Tips/ (Navy and Marines), https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html (Army), and https://www.osi.af.mil/Submit-a-Tip/ (Air Force), or call the Department of Defense Hotline at (800) 424-9098. Victims of cyberstalking by non-active duty members should contact local law enforcement or their FBI or HSI field office.
DEFENDANT Case Number 21cr2192-BAS
Sergio Reinaldo Williams Age: 36 Coronado, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Cyberstalking - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2261A(2)(B)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
