US Soldier Detained for Alleged Cyberstalking of Local Judges

A soldier from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was apprehended on Wednesday for cyberstalking charges. The individual, identified as Cassidy Busbin in court records, allegedly made menacing social media posts targeting judges, including one involved in his divorce and child custody case. The Army's Criminal Investigation Division informed federal investigators about Busbin's threats against judges, public officials, and other individuals in Montgomery County, Tennessee.

According to the documents, it was believed that the threats were a result of his dissatisfaction with the outcomes of his divorce and child custody cases, which were concluded in August 2021.

Lt. Col. Tony Hoefler, spokesperson for the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, has confirmed that Busbin was stationed at Fort Campbell and that the Army is cooperating with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.

According to the photos included in the court documents, one of Busbins' posts highlighted a news article about a Maryland family court judge who was tragically murdered by a man after granting full custody of his children to their mother. In late October, Busbin expressed on Facebook, "[T]his is what's going to occur in Clarksville if they continue to mistreat soldiers, especially when it comes to judges and lawyers. We are protesting, so please interpret it as you wish, but understand that my rights will not be silenced by your opinions."

Busbin's new wife, referred to as A.B. in court documents, tagged him in two Facebook posts about a "peaceful armed protest" for "FATHERS RIGHTS" in Montgomery County on November 17. A Montgomery County Circuit judge who presided over Busbin's divorce and child custody case shared with investigators that she initially did not perceive him as a threat. However, her perception changed when she started feeling concerned for her safety due to Busbin's and his new wife's online posts.

According to court records, Olita expressed the belief that her life was at risk when Busbin made online comments about the slain Maryland judge. The documents state that Olita feared that carrying out her duties could potentially subject her to a fate similar to that of the aforementioned judge.

Another judge, Reid Poland, expressed concerns over his safety due to online posts by Busbin and his family, after presiding over a case involving Busbin's twin brother.

Based on court records, the Army issued temporary protection orders on October 28 against Busbin and his brother. These orders mandated that the individuals maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet from Judges Kathryn Olita and Poland, as well as Judge Adrienne Fry, who had also been involved in their case.

According to court documents, Busbin also contacted his twin brothers' battalion commander, who was deployed outside of the US. One photo of a message included in the court records shows Busbin informing the commander that they are "in violation of the United States Constitution and army policy." In a second message, Busbin asks the commander to pass along his greetings to his wife.

According to court documents, allegations of abuse against romantic partners are outlined. The ex-wife of Busbins revealed in an interview that he had threatened to kill her multiple times, and had physically assaulted her by throwing things at her, hitting her, and strangling her.

Additional information from the ex-wife disclosed that Busbins' new girlfriend, identified as A.P. in court records, had reached out to her for advice regarding the abuse she was experiencing. During their conversation, A.P. shared that Busbins had killed their dog in front of her and burned it in front of her and her two-year-old daughter.

According to court documents, A.P. also provided testimony about the incident in Busbin's divorce proceedings.

The court documents reveal that in late October, a mental health professional conducted an evaluation of Busbin and conducted an interview, reaching the conclusion that "Busbin posed an immediate threat of harm or death to others" and recommended his admission to an inpatient psychiatric treatment facility.

According to court documents, he was later held against his will at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital on Fort Campbell for a mental health assessment. He was subsequently released on November 1st. Following his release, Busbin's chain of command ordered him to remain on the installation for seven days, with the restriction set to end on November 9th.

Based on court records, Busbin claimed to have self-diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder. Information regarding his deployment history with the Army and his current status or unit affiliation remains unclear.