Arrest in coercion, stalking investigation

JACKSONVILLE —  The Jacksonville Police Department has arrested a man following a lengthy investigation into alleged sexual coercion, stalking and harassment involving multiple victims. According to our news partner KETK, Jacksonville PD said Dewayne Scott Chapline, 58, was taken into custody Friday after investigators linked him to a prolonged campaign of online harassment carried out through email accounts, social media platforms and impersonation-style identities.

According to investigators, Chapline allegedly used threats and intimidation to pressure a victim into sending sexually explicit images. Police said he then used those images to blackmail the victim, continuing to demand additional content while threatening further harm.

Chapline faces charges of sexual coercion, stalking, online impersonation, obstruction or retaliation and harassment.

“This was a complex and disturbing case that required numerous subpoenas, search warrants and extensive digital forensic analysis to ultimately link the communications to the suspect,” the Jacksonville Police Department said in a statement, praising investigators for the “countless hours” spent pursuing the case.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional details have been released.