Navy Lt. Commander from Silver Spring Found Guilty of Federal Cyberstalking Charges

A Silver Spring man has been convicted of federal cyberstalking charges following a two-week trial, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Jason Michael Leidel, 45, an active Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, was found guilty by a federal jury on one count of cyberstalking. The conviction stems from a prolonged campaign of harassment directed at his ex-wife and her new partner.

Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Leidel engaged in a pattern of behavior designed to disrupt the lives of his victims. He repeatedly sent emails containing false accusations to his ex-wife’s employer, a public school, in an effort to have her terminated from her position as a special education teacher. Additionally, Leidel made multiple attempts to have his ex-wife and their children evicted from their home. His actions also included the repeated filing of unsubstantiated child protective services claims against his ex-wife.

The harassment escalated when Leidel turned his attention to his ex-wife’s new boyfriend, identified as Victim 2. Leidel falsely accused Victim 2 of child abuse and subsequently sent emails to Victim 2’s supervisors. These communications aimed to trigger investigations and ultimately lead to Victim 2’s dismissal from his job. This pattern of behavior continued for several years until law enforcement intervened and arrested Leidel.

Leidel faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant statutory factors. Sentencing has been scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office commended the collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) – Mid-Atlantic Region, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) – Washington, D.C. Field Office, the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) in investigating and prosecuting this case.

This conviction highlights the serious legal consequences associated with cyberstalking and the misuse of reporting systems. Individuals who engage in such activities may face significant federal penalties.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

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