A man who targeted a teen in a prolonged online stalking case will now spend 15 years in federal prison.

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ROANOKE, VA – A Moneta resident was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to stalking a teenage girl and possessing illegal images of minors, following a months-long investigation led by the FBI.

Evan Strauss, 26, admitted to targeting a 17-year-old girl from Wyoming after meeting her online in late 2023. Using aliases such as “Reaper” and “Kobe Deonsons,” Strauss engaged in repeated acts of harassment and intimidation, according to court documents filed in the Western District of Virginia.

Officials say Strauss threatened the girl using personal information he obtained about her and her family. He made threats that caused her to fear for her safety and the safety of those close to her, pressuring her to comply with his…