Cyberstalker Faces Mental Health Evaluation

A 30-year-old man who called his ex-girlfriend's telephone hundreds of times and tracked her movements using GPS technology must spend at least six months in a mental health facility before he is formally sentenced, a judge ruled today.

Michael F. Lutz, who was once in the Navy, pleaded guilty to a cyberstalking charge on June 8 and faces up to five years in prison.

At the end of his psychological treatment, Lutz could be sentenced for his criminal conduct, Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Keifer said.

According to court documents, Lutz once chased the victim through a shopping mall, followed her into a women's bathroom and climbed under a locked stall to confront her.

He made hundreds of calls, tracked her through GPS technology in her phone and illegally downloaded a program onto her computer that allowed him to spy on her Internet use, according to prosecutors.

Lutz created a Facebook profile in the name and image of another person so he could continue interacting with the woman, who had obtained a restraining order against him.

Lutz, stationed in San Diego at the time of the crimes, has since parted ways with the Navy.

– City News Service