Man arrested for cyberstalking, accused of harassing same victim for 20 years

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A prior felon was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with cyberstalking after he allegedly flew across the country to see the victim Thursday morning in Western New York, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

Officials said Daniel Richter, 45, was allegedly found Thursday morning at an Amherst hotel after flying in from Los Angeles. He allegedly emailed the victim and told her he would visit her in Western New York. Investigators are alleged to have found a ski mask, the contact information of the victim, a photograph of the victim and hair dye in his hotel room.

Richter started stalking the victim in 2002, according to officials.

Officials said Richter was acquainted with the victim at the University of Buffalo and sent her "bizarre" emails in 2002 as well as strange postcards and voicemails to her work phone in 2007. He was arrested in 2008 in connection with these incidents, pleading guilty to fourth-degree stalking and was given a fine while the victim was given an order of protection against Richter.

In 2018, Richter continued with unwanted phone calls and emails to the victim. He served two years in prison starting in 2020, and upon his release in 2023, allegedly sent approximately 94 voice messages to the victim between Dec. 25 and Feb. 6, 2024. It is also alleged that over 600 emails containing incoherent rambling and threatening comments were sent to the victim between Feb. 6 and March 28.

Richter was held pending a detention hearing on April 4. He faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.