A Bigfork man who threatened and harassed his victim through text messages was sentenced Wednesday to 46 months in prison, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.

Jeremiah Daniel Starr, 25, pleaded guilty in federal court in August to one count of cyberstalking. His 46-month prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. 

The victim in the case received threatening and harassing text messages from an unknown sender for almost three years, according to court documents. However, the culprit was not a stranger, but her “best friend,” Starr. 

When sending the messages by mobile phone, Starr masked his identity by using more than 50 unique phone numbers and a NordVPN, which required the FBI to analyze over 1,100 distinct IP addresses, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.  

On Feb. 9, 2025, Jane Doe slept while Starr used a firearm to shoot rounds into her apartment, which he later lied about — telling her he was returning fire at other individuals, according to court documents.  

“Starr lied about the shooting to harass Jane Doe and make her continue to think she was in danger. Jane Doe told investigators Starr’s harassment was unbearable and caused her significant emotional distress,” officials said in a statement after Starr’s sentencing. 

Justin Gerken, special agent in charge of the FBI Billings Field Office, said Starr exploited the anonymity of the internet to harass and intimidate the victim, inflicting lasting fear and emotional harm. He said the case reflected the FBI’s efforts to protect the victim and hold the offender accountable. 

Alme said protecting victims from harassment and stalking is a growing concern.  

“Particularly in cases like this, where the defendant caused emotional distress to the victim for many years and even discharged a firearm as part of his elaborate ruse,” he said. 

District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over his case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson.