Pasadena Man Denies Charges in Cyberstalking Case

A Pasadena man accused of engaging in an online campaign of threats and harassment against 10 people pleaded not guilty Thursday to 26 federal charges, authorities said.

Samuel Trelawney Hughes, 31, who is a British citizen, denied the charges during an arraignment hearing in federal court in Los Angeles, U.S. Department of Justice spokesman Ciaran McEvoy said. A trial date was scheduled for Oct. 6 before U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer.

A grand jury indicted Hughes last week on 26 charges related to threats to “ making a series of detailed threats to harm, rape and kill 10 victims he met in various social and business settings,” DOJ spokesman Thom Mrozek said in a written statement.

The threats were issued both online and through traditional mail, officials said. Hughes is also accused of trying to dissuade victims from reporting the incidents to law enforcement. He faces nine counts of making online threats, seven counts of stalking, seven counts of witness tampering and three counts of mailing threatening communications.

Online monikers used by Hughes included: xavier.herrera666, parsonstheo38, theoparsons4, tony.hawk.exskater, tony.flavelle450, byword.photography, julius.caesar411, charlotte.massey400 and a.total.wanker400, prosecutors said.

If convicted as charged, Hughes faces a maximum potential penalty of 235 years in federal prison. He remained in federal custody pending trial.