Former Sailor Sentenced to 24 Months for Cyberstalking and Threats

NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for sending threatening messages to fellow sailors.

According to court documents, Justin Leung, 23, engaged in a course of conduct against at least five women, including threatening to kidnap, violently rape, and humiliate them or their female relatives through the degradation of their bodies. Leung targeted some of these victims after they had rejected his romantic advances. Many of the victims were active duty sailors or veterans of the United States Navy.    

Over the course of several months in 2023, Leung used the Internet to send unwanted and threatening messages to the victims, including obscene messages depicting his genitalia and himself masturbating. At least one victim felt fearful enough to take protective measures as a direct result of Leung’s threats. Leung’s phone records reveal misogynistic statements like “women bring nothing to the table except what there[sic] bodies have to offer” and women “shouldn’t be allowed to choose [their partners].” 

Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Mack Hickman, Special Agent in Charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria Liu prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-55.