ChatGPT report leads to cyberstalking case in Palm Beach

Man pleads guilty to cyberstalking ex-girlfriend after alleged threats reported through ChatGPT

Announcement

Darren Shida Zhou sentenced to probation after serving 2 days in jail

PALM BEACH, Fla. —

A South Palm Beach man pleaded guilty to felony charges after the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said an investigation uncovered alleged threats and stalking behavior directed at his former girlfriend.

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According to an arrest affidavit, 25-year-old Darren Shida Zhou was charged with written or electronic threats to kill or cause bodily harm, aggravated stalking with a credible threat and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

On Thursday, Zhou entered a guilty plea. Circuit Judge Scott Suskauerer withheld adjudication and sentenced him to five years of probation after receiving credit for two days served in the Palm Beach County Jail.

As part of the sentence, Zhou must wear a GPS ankle monitor during the first two years of probation, complete a court-approved Batterer’s Intervention Program, undergo residential treatment and continue any recommended aftercare, and complete a mental health evaluation and any recommended treatment. He is also prohibited from possessing weapons or firearms and is ordered to have no contact with the victim.

Investigators said the case started on May 23 when the FBI alerted local authorities about information it received from ChatGPT. According to court documents, records shared with law enforcement included several messages allegedly written by Zhou between March and May 2026. In those messages, Zhou reportedly talked about wanting to harm his ex-girlfriend.

Deputies said his ex-girlfriend told investigators that following their breakup in March, Zhou repeatedly tried to contact her through phone calls, text messages and social media, even after she blocked him. She reported receiving messages from unknown numbers that she believed were connected to Zhou and said some of the messages were threatening and harassing.

The affidavit alleges that investigators found similarities between the anonymous messages sent to her and statements contained in the ChatGPT records. Authorities also noted messages that referenced locations she regularly visited and details about her routine.

According to detectives, the records showed alleged discussions of violence, stalking and plans involving the victim over a period of nearly two months. Investigators said the evidence, combined with screenshots and statements provided by his ex-girlfriend, established probable cause for the charges.

PBSO said his ex-girlfriend told deputies she feared for her safety and the safety of her family. Investigators said that fear increased after she learned about the alleged threats contained in the records provided to law enforcement.

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