A federal jury in Anchorage has found Rolando Hernandez-Zemora guilty of cyberstalking a woman over a period of four years. The verdict comes after a retrial lasting four days.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that between 2016 and 2020, Hernandez-Zemora, aged 41, used various methods such as location tracking applications, text messages, and video calls to control the victim's life. From April 29 to May 27, 2020, he contacted the victim 1,317 times. His actions extended beyond the victim to include threats towards her work colleagues and family members in 2020. Despite a protective order obtained by the victim, his harassment persisted, leading to a lockdown at her workplace from late April to early May of that year. He was eventually arrested at the end of May after evading police for two days.
Initially convicted in June 2024 for the same crime, Hernandez-Zemora was granted a new trial in August after U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez took over following former Judge Joshua Kindred's resignation. Judge Hernandez presided over this retrial.
U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska stated: "I commend the victim for her extraordinary courage in coming forward, and we hope this conviction brings a measure of justice and closure to all those impacted by this case." Tucker added that Hernandez-Zemora poses "a serious danger to the community" due to his intent to harm not only the victim but also her associates.
Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office commented on the impact of Hernandez-Zemora's actions: “The defendant’s years-long cyberstalking harassment and eventual threats of violence caused substantial emotional distress and fear of harm.” She emphasized that "this verdict reaffirms our commitment to hold accountable those who commit such crimes."
The investigation was conducted by both the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Seth Beausang.
