He Allegedly Cyberstalked 15 Orange County Women; More Victims

DANA POINT, CA — A La Habra man suspected of stalking over 15 women across social media platforms, then threatening them with violence, was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 30, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Jaimee Blashaw.

"OCSD Dana Point Police Services Investigators were alerted to the suspect’s activity after a 19-year-old female victim came forward and reported the 25-year-old male suspect had been harassing her on Instagram," Blashaw said. "Investigators launched an in-depth investigation and collected evidence over a six-month period that showed the suspect using Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr to stalk, harass and threaten multiple female victims."

In some cases, the suspect threatened to sexually assault, rape and even kill the victims.

"The suspect also is accused of sending text messages and emails to multiple female victims," Blashaw said.

Initially, the victims ignored the bizarre behavior, but as it escalated, one female victim felt the suspect’s threats were credible and reported it to law enforcement.

The suspect was arrested Thursday, Dec. 7, after he was contacted by OCSD investigators at the La Habra Public Library.

Dominic Luis Magdaleno, 25, of La Habra, was booked on suspicion of felony stalking, felony witness intimidation and felony criminal threats. He is expected to appear in court Monday, Dec. 11, and is being held on $500,000 bail.

"Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS," Blashaw said.

Some teens and young adults are participating in a growing trend on social media to leave their accounts public in an attempt to become “influencers” – a designation determined, in part, by the number of followers an account has.

While this practice is becoming more common, it has the potential to be unsafe.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers these tips to ensure safe online practices:

• It is best to keep all social media accounts private and only accept friend and follow requests from people you know.
• However, if an account is public, do not post any personal identifying information such as your full name, phone number, address, city of residence or school.
• Do not tag your current location in photos you post online. This increases your vulnerability and the potential for being the victim of a crime.
• Keep it vague. Avoid oversharing personal details of your everyday life and routines.
• Monitor comments and messages daily and immediately report any threats of violence.

OCSD Photo, Dominic Luis Magdaleno booking photo