PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A Port St. Lucie man is accused of stalking after allegedly using TikTok to expose multiple users’ private digital information.
A detective with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office’s Targeted Violence Unit says the investigation began on April 10 after he reviewed a 5-minute TikTok video posted to an account identified as Mark Asea’s.
Investigators say that in the video, 35-year-old Asea discussed having access to sensitive personal data, passwords, online purchases, device identifiers, and location information of a TikTok user he was targeting.
The affidavit states that Asea stated the user’s password, IMEI number, MAC address, and banking activity in the video while suggesting he could track a person’s movements using digital tools.
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Detectives say additional TikTok posts reviewed as part of the investigation showed Asea appearing to discuss cybersecurity tools and equipment, which investigators say raised concerns about possible unauthorized access to electronic devices.
Investigators also spoke with the individuals mentioned. Based on the findings, investigators determined there was probable cause that Asea violated Florida law related to unauthorized access of a computer or electronic device and stalking.
Based on the videos, those who told police they had not authorized access to their devices or accounts were concerned about how their private information may have been obtained.
Asea was arrested on April 15 and faces two counts of unauthorized access to a computer or electronic device and one count of stalking.
Detectives noted in the affidavit that, given the suspect’s alleged technical knowledge, they are recommending pretrial conditions restricting access to electronic devices.
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The investigation remains ongoing, per SLCSO.