By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of Sarju Patel, 39, of North Bergen, on charges including stalking, cyber-harassment, and harassment.
On January 29, 2024, the Cyber Crimes Unit of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office executed a search warrant at Patel's residence as part of a stalking investigation.
The investigation uncovered that Patel had created several social media accounts under various pseudonyms resembling the victims.
These accounts were used to post photographs of the victims, falsely check in at locations linked to the victims and their families, and even send physical letters to a victim's workplace.
These actions instilled fear of physical and emotional harm among the victims and their families.
Following the investigation, Patel was arrested in Paramus and faced charges of fourth-degree stalking, fourth-degree cyber-harassment, and harassment, the latter being a petty disorderly persons offense.
Patel was subsequently remanded to the Bergen County Jail and is awaiting a first appearance in the Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
The case brings to light the serious implications of online harassment and its impact on victims' lives.