A man from Rigby, Idaho, Edward John Kay, 53, was arrested for allegedly cyberstalking a Massachusetts professor over five months. He faces one count of cyberstalking according to a criminal complaint. Kay was taken into custody in Rigby and is scheduled for an initial appearance in the District of Idaho.
The allegations state that Kay met the victim in January 2025 through an online course on psychosis at a university’s extension school. After attending a Zoom meeting and one class session, he reportedly became fixated on the victim, dropped the course, and began sending harassing communications via email and LinkedIn.
From January to June 2025, it is alleged that Kay sent over 80 messages expressing adoration for the victim and mentioning her minor child by name. One LinkedIn message dated April 1, 2025 allegedly read: “I miss you-truly, deeply- with all of my heart and soul. That day I saw you on Zoom…You were the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
Another email sent on May 9, 2025 to several university offices with the victim copied stated: “Dr. [victim’s last name] has been copied on all communications. She knows what is coming.” The communication warned of “new action of serious consequence” starting that day.
Kay also allegedly emailed both the victim and another professor about his obsession with separating her from her husband. Additionally, he informed them of purchasing a first-class ticket to attend an in-person class despite being banned from enrolling at the university.
If convicted of cyberstalking, Kay could face up to five years in prison along with three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The announcement came from United States Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside Ted E. Docks from the FBI Boston Division. The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm.
The allegations remain as such until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.
