When Doxxing Becomes a Federal Crime

A Santa Monica man pleaded guilty in federal court after posting a government attorney’s home address on social media. The case shows how quickly an online post can become a felony prosecution. It also shows that intent matters more than the information itself.

At the Law Office of Alec Rose PC, we defend people whose charges began with something they posted online.

What Happened in the Santa Monica Case

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the 68-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to one count of violating the federal law that protects individuals performing certain official duties. Prosecutors said he created a Facebook post in February 2025 that identified an ICE attorney as an ICE agent, listed her home address, and directed others to “swat” her.

Swatting involves a false emergency call meant to send a large police response to someone’s home. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in federal prison.

How the Federal Doxxing Law Works

The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 119, does not criminalize every mention of a public employee. Intent is the core of the offense. Prosecutors must prove the person knowingly made restricted information public with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite a crime of violence against a covered person.

Information the Statute Protects

Restricted personal information includes:

• Social Security numbers
• Home addresses
• Home and mobile phone numbers
• Personal email addresses

Covered persons include federal employees. A violation is a felony, and federal felony charges bring sentencing guidelines, supervised release, and a permanent record.

California Charges That Can Apply

State prosecutors have their own tools. California Penal Code 653.2 makes it a misdemeanor to electronically distribute a person’s identifying information with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear and to prompt harassment or injury by a third party. A conviction can mean up to one year in county jail.

Related conduct often adds exposure. When posts are part of a longer dispute, the targeted person may ask a court for a civil restraining order, which limits contact.

From there, violating a restraining order is a separate crime, even if the original dispute never produced charges.

Defending Against These Allegations

Intent is usually where these cases are contested. Speech about government officials receives broad protection, and an angry or careless post is not automatically a crime. Wording, context, audience, and what happened afterward all matter.

People with clean records sometimes assume a first offense will resolve itself, and they speak with investigators without counsel. That is rarely wise in a federal matter. Since a conviction can follow a person into job applications, licensing reviews, and housing decisions, the professional and personal consequences deserve attention from the start.

If you are under investigation or facing charges connected to something posted online, speak with a Santa Monica, CA criminal defense lawyer before answering questions from law enforcement. Our Santa Monica criminal defense lawyer can review the allegations and explain your options. Contact our office to discuss your case.