Defendant Sentenced For Stalking

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that James Howard Wheeler, 46, of Imperial Beach, California, was sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2013, to serve thirty (30) months imprisonment for interstate stalking.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge in Columbus, Georgia
           
Mr. Wheeler entered a plea of guilty on August 13, 2013.  In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that beginning in July, 2012, and continuing to February, 2013, he directed threatening and harassing communications from his home in California to the victim, who was an estranged family member living in Georgia, via telephone, text messages, e-mail, and Facebook.  Many of the messages contained express and implied threats of coming to Georgia and harming the victim.  Over 37 threatening voice mails were left on the victim’s phone in a three month period, as well as numerous Facebook and other public internet postings.  All of the voice mails were left even after Mr. Wheeler had been confronted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about his conduct.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.