Flagler County, Florida — A Florida man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he launched a campaign of stalking and harassment against his former girlfriend, allegedly stealing a stuffed animal containing the ashes of her late son and sending threatening messages after their brief relationship ended.
According to authorities, the alleged harassment escalated rapidly following the breakup, ultimately leading to the suspect’s arrest on several felony charges.
Woman Says Relationship Ended After Just Three Weeks
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the woman reported the alleged incidents on Aug. 1, telling deputies she had met Justin Fountain, 31, through a Facebook dating site.
She said the relationship lasted approximately three weeks before she decided to end it.
Although the relationship had ended, she initially allowed Fountain to continue staying in her hotel room.
However, she later withdrew that permission after allegedly discovering smoking pipes and learning he had used crack cocaine inside the hotel bathroom, according to investigators.
She told deputies that the situation quickly became frightening after he left.
Investigators Say He Accessed Her Accounts Without Permission
According to the arrest affidavit, Fountain allegedly gained unauthorized access to several of the woman’s personal online accounts.
Investigators say those accounts included Apple iCloud, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other online services.
Authorities allege he then impersonated the woman, communicating with members of her family and friends without her knowledge or permission.
The woman also reported that Fountain unexpectedly appeared at her workplace, where an argument allegedly occurred, leaving her concerned for her safety.
A male friend later contacted by the woman reportedly witnessed another confrontation between the two at a nearby restaurant and provided a statement to investigators.
Stuffed Animal Containing Child’s Ashes Allegedly Taken
One of the most disturbing allegations in the case involves a stuffed animal that contained the ashes of the woman’s late son.
According to investigators, the woman reported that Fountain took the stuffed animal and then began sending messages demanding that she meet with him if she wanted it returned.
Deputies said the threatening text messages continued even while the woman was inside the sheriff’s office reporting the alleged crimes, allowing investigators to observe some of the messages as they arrived.
According to the affidavit, one message allegedly stated:
“I will not go away peacefully. Please make every day of your life a living hell. I promise you.”
Another message reportedly read:
“If you want your son back, tell Buddy to leave now,” referring to one of the woman’s male friends.
Investigators also allege Fountain threatened to set the teddy bear on fire.
Arrest Made After Deputies Located Suspect
After reviewing the evidence and messages, deputies determined they had probable cause to make an arrest.
Authorities located Fountain, whom investigators said was easily identifiable because of a tattoo above one eye reading “Game Over.” He was taken into custody and booked into the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Jail.
According to authorities, Fountain is charged with six felony offenses, including cyberstalking, malicious threats, and unauthorized access to electronic devices.
He is currently being held on $61,000 bail. Court records indicate he has not yet entered a plea, and the criminal case remains pending.
As with all criminal cases, the allegations have not been proven in court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should penalties be increased for cases involving stalking and the theft of sentimental family belongings? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
