A Utah man, Ian West, 50, is facing federal charges for allegedly strangling and cyberstalking a victim in Japan, actions that could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years if convicted.
Charges Stemming from Alleged Assault in Japan
West was initially indicted in January 2025 for assaulting a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner by strangulation or attempted suffocation. However, on February 12, 2025, a superseding indictment added cyberstalking to his charges.
At the time of the alleged March 2024 attack, West was working in Okinawa, Japan, as a teacher for the Department of Defense while employed as a civilian worker with the U.S. military.
Cyberstalking Allegations After Returning to Utah
Following the assault, West reportedly returned to Utah and began cyberstalking the victim. Prosecutors claim he created fake online profiles promoting massage and escort services, some of which included intimate images of the victim and their personal contact details.
As a result of the false profiles, the victim closed their business for several months. After reopening in June 2024, they allegedly received numerous unwanted messages soliciting sexual encounters, which authorities say were a direct result of West’s actions.
Investigation and Potential Sentencing
The FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) are actively investigating the case. If convicted, West faces up to 10 years in prison.
Authorities emphasize that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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