Federal prosecutors on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, charged a Massachusetts man with cyberstalking Katie Miller, a conservative podcaster and former political adviser. John Anthony Proia III, 41, of Waltham, is accused of conducting a harassment campaign involving dozens of calls and text messages directed at Miller, her husband, and her parents. Miller is married to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
The indictment, secured by federal prosecutors in Boston, describes the victim as a former political adviser and prominent Republican figure married to a high-level government official. While the court documents did not name the Millers, the identity of the target was confirmed by sources familiar with the matter. The U.S. Department of Justice alleged the conduct took place between August 3 and September 23, 2026.
According to court filings, Proia used multiple phone numbers to contact the victim at least 40 times, often using expletives and a menacing tone. Prosecutors stated he also sent messages to Miller’s parents that described her husband as "evil" and used slurs such as "Jewish Nazi/white supremacist." Additionally, the indictment alleges Proia made social media posts instructing others to harass public officials and their family members.
Proia pleaded not guilty to one felony count of cyberstalking during an initial court appearance in Boston. A magistrate judge denied a government request for a GPS monitor, and prosecutors did not seek his detention. Proia’s attorney did not provide a comment following the hearing. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Washington Field Office.
The prosecution affects Katie Miller and her family, as well as the defendant, John Anthony Proia III, who faces a federal felony charge. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the alleged harassment involved at least 40 communications over a several-week period. Under federal law, a cyberstalking conviction can lead to prison time and fines.
The investigation became public after two counterterrorism officials at the FBI's Washington Field Office were demoted and reassigned to headquarters following issues related to the inquiry, according to sources familiar with the matter. The next procedural step for the defendant is a scheduled court date on November 9, 2026. Prior to that date, the legal process will continue through discovery and pretrial motions in federal court.