Woman Arrested For Stalking Best-Selling Author Online

[The Straight Story]

Woman Arrested For Stalking Best-Selling Author Online

POSTED: 12:18 pm EDT June 2, 2005
UPDATED: 5:04 pm EDT June 4, 2005

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A woman has been arrested for allegedly sending hundreds of harassing and hostile e-mails to best-selling mystery writer Randy Wayne White, authorities said.

"There was not a book signing I had that I didn't think she was there," White said at his Pineland home Friday. "I was convinced she was in Florida."

Debby Wilbanks, 52, is accused of sending badgering e-mails and posting messages on Web sites, including White's own site. She was released without bond on a cyberstalking charge Friday and is prohibited from contacting the author or using a computer before her arraignment next month.

White, known for the "Doc Ford" mystery series he began in 1989, reported the messages started about two years ago and were becoming more agitated in tone.

http://www.local6.com/news/4560410/detail.html

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. This isn't unusual

When my first book was published, I couldn't believe the things that happened. My publisher did a great job of protecting me, but that was when I took up a nom de plume, and swore I'd never do it any other way.

It's a whole different kind of scary.

[The Straight Story]

2. Why can't I be stalked by super models?

Sigh.... :)

[brainshrub]

3. Why can't I be stalked by super-models who bakes me cookies?

I'd be at my favorite coffee-shop and then, out of nowhere, she would show up with a plate of freshly-baked chocolate-chip cookies.

Mmmmm....

###

Seriously, I hope the people at the nameless site are reading your link.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

4. Be Mick Jagger

Oh, lord, forgive me for that.

I'm gonna go wash my keyboard out with lye now ............

[Warpy]

5. You wouldn't like it, trust me.

Stalkers are mentally ill people who create an elaborate fantasy life and stick your face onto it. Their mental illness interprets any attention, even having the police cart them off to jail, as proof that you care and that you're coming around and will finally admit that you are destined to be with them. It's weird and it's scary and they can be very dangerous. Property damage is the least you can get away with.

[ConfuZed]

6. So If I post anti repub messages and email them I could be arrested? n/t