Seekonk Man Sentenced To Prison For Stalking, Threatening A Teen

SEEKONK, MA — A Seekonk man was sentenced today to prison for stalking a teen he had an online relationship with after she came forward reporting that when she wanted out he blackmailed her to stay in a relationship with him once she turned 18.

"This case is an unfortunate reminder that young people who use social media need to be vigilant about what information they share with others," said Acting U.S. Attorney John Farley. "I encourage parents to speak openly with their children about the need to be extremely cautious when establishing online relationships and sharing information with others."

David Ackell, 48, of Seekonk, will serve a 33-month prison sentence for "using facilities in interstate commerce" to stalk a teenage resident of New Hampshire, announced Farley out of the New Hampshire Department of Justice.

According to court records and statements made in court, Ackell sent an on-line private message to a young woman when she was 16. The teen later agreed to send photographs of herself to Ackell because Ackell repeatedly promised that he would not save them.

Several months later, Ackell persuaded the victim to send partially nude photographs of herself to him. After the victim turned 18, she repeatedly told Ackell that she wanted to end their relationship.

Ackell prevented this from happening by, among other things, threatening to send the her nude photographs to her family and friends. He also told the teen that if she ended their relationship, a 14-year old girl would be raped, according to court records.

The court found Ackell guilty of the offense after a four-day jury trial in December 2016. But he announced he planned to appeal his conviction.

He will not begin serving his sentence until after the Court of Appeals has ruled.

“In its various forms, cyber-stalking causes severe trauma to the stalked victims and the people who care about them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “It is a high priority of this office to prosecute anyone who engages in this reprehensible conduct."

Farley went on to commend the bravery of the teen who came forward and shared her story with law enforcement officers.

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