Santa Monica Man Arrested for Doxxing and Harassing ICE Attorney
Introduction to the Case
A Santa Monica man has been arrested on suspicion of doxxing and harassing a lawyer at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Justice Department announced Tuesday.
Gregory John Curcio, 68, is charged with violating a federal law designed for the protection of individuals performing certain official duties.
The Charges and Arrest
Curcio, who was arrested Monday, was ordered jailed without bond. An arraignment is set for Oct. 14.
Prosecutors contend that in February, Curcio created a Facebook post in which he identified the attorney as an ICE agent, posted her home address, and directed others to “swat” her at the address. He also allegedly posted the lawyer’s private information on a second social media account he controlled, according to the department.
Understanding Doxxing and Swatting
Swatting is a form of harassment that often involves placing a false emergency call to law enforcement or emergency responders, frequently reporting a false ongoing crisis or crime at a specific location to prompt a significant law enforcement response.
Doxxing is publishing private or identifying information about an individual on the internet with malicious intent.
Background and Motivation
Court documents allege that Curcio is a former resident at the victim’s mother’s apartment building in Santa Monica. The lawyer said she never met Curcio, but he had harassed and threatened her mother for years, according to authorities.
The criminal complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court alleges that Curcio made false allegations and engaged in a campaign to harass the victim and her family starting from at least January 2024.
Potential Consequences
If convicted, Curcio would face up to five years in federal prison.
“Contrary to what some misguided individuals think, doxxing federal agents and employees is not a harmless crime,” Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in Los Angeles said in a statement. “It endangers the agent’s personal safety and that of their family. It’s also a federal crime.”
Federal law prohibits making certain personal information about covered persons — including federal employees — public. The restricted personal information includes a victim’s Social Security number, home address, home phone number, mobile phone number and personal email address.
Conclusion
The arrest of Gregory John Curcio highlights the serious nature of doxxing and harassment, especially when targeted at federal agents and employees. It emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information and the severe consequences that can result from such malicious actions.
FAQs
What is doxxing?
Doxxing is the act of publishing private or identifying information about an individual on the internet with malicious intent.
What is swatting?
Swatting is a form of harassment that involves placing a false emergency call to law enforcement or emergency responders, often reporting a false crisis or crime to prompt a significant law enforcement response.
What are the potential consequences for doxxing a federal agent or employee?
If convicted, an individual could face up to five years in federal prison for doxxing a federal agent or employee.
What personal information is restricted from being made public about federal employees?
Restricted personal information includes a victim’s Social Security number, home address, home phone number, mobile phone number, and personal email address.
Originally Published: September 23, 2025 at 4:44 PM PDT
