FBI arrests man accused of cyberstalking Katie Miller

Arrest and federal charge

The FBI arrested John Anthony Proia III, 41, after a federal grand jury in Boston indicted him on one count of cyberstalking. The arrest occurred earlier Thursday, the same day the indictment was issued.

The Justice Department described the alleged victim as a former political adviser whose husband holds a senior federal government position. NBC News identified her as Katie Miller, a conservative podcaster and the wife of White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller.

What prosecutors allege

Prosecutors accuse Proia of calling, texting and leaving voicemails for Miller more than 40 times during a period of less than two months in August and September. He is also accused of sending disturbing messages to Miller’s parents.

The communications allegedly came from a changing series of unfamiliar telephone numbers. Court filings say the numbers were generated through applications offering free internet-based calling and messaging, allowing users to conceal their identities and create new numbers easily.

U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said the communications targeted Miller, her husband and her family and disrupted their lives. Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, said the alleged conduct caused significant emotional distress.

Miller thanked Attorney General Todd Blanche, Foley and the FBI’s Washington Field Office in a post on X. She also acknowledged the Boston grand jury’s indictment.

An indictment states the government’s accusation; it is not a finding of guilt. The cyberstalking charge will proceed through federal court.