Witness Intimidation Can Take Place Anywhere, Even on InstagramInstagram is one of the most popular social media apps. Its popularity does not diminish its dangers, however. While witness intimidation is nothing new, the sheer numbers of people who are threatening one another online seem to grow every day.

According to reports, multiple Instagram accounts based in Baltimore were deactivated after it was found those accounts were involved in the intimidation of people who cooperated with police investigations. Even though the accounts were removed, it only took about an hour for a new one to pop up and continue the intimidation tactics the others were using. The accounts in question were posting pictures of police reports, court records, and people who were known to have been cooperating with police investigations. One of the pages removed openly tried to extort money from witnesses by saying the posts would be deleted if the account owner was paid.

Baltimore and federal officials have not identified the pages that were removed. Authorities also have not named who might be behind the accounts or if more than one person is responsible for the multiple accounts.

One person running one of the pages sent a direct message to The Baltimore Sun saying, “even if I delete my page, another will replace me.” Another page administrator told The Baltimore Sun, “They can’t ban me only hope [t]o contain me.”

These pages are not personal accounts; they do not feature handles with personal names. Instead, the accounts have names that don’t tie them to individuals. One of the accounts was even using the Baltimore Police Department logo as its profile photo and the misspelled account name of “BaltimorePoliceDepartmet,” which has since been deleted.

Continued problems with witness intimidation in Baltimore

Baltimore has been dealing with witness intimidation problems for years. In fact, more than 10 witness intimidation cases have been filed every year by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney since 2009. Per State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby:

On top of the distrust you have for law enforcement, you now have a culture that is embedded in our city — a culture that encourages witnesses not to cooperate and not come forward. Due to the history and distrust of well documented mistreatment in our communities, there is a lack of cooperation for people coming to court. But, also a lack of cooperation about people telling us about the intimidation.

Witness intimidation is a misdemeanor crime that can result in up to 5 years in prison, and/or up to $5,000 in fines. If witness intimidation acts occur in association with the commission of a felony, the accused can face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

What some call online bullying may, in fact, be witness intimidation in the eyes of the law. Carey Law Office represents clients facing charges throughout Maryland. Call us in Bowie or Crofton at 301-464-2500 or complete the contact form on our website to schedule a consultation today.