Facebook Messages Spark Arrest of St. Charles Man

Facebook, Twitter and other social media have become the places where people show off, even have fun posting photos, smart-alecky comments and sharing thoughts or events in their lives.

But, one St. Charles man recently learned, posting on Facebook also can get you arrested.

James Edward Huver, 35, of the 3N700 block of Baert Lane, was charged at 3:56 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013, at the St. Charles Police Department, 211 N. Riverside Drive, with violation of bail bond over 16 Facebook messages to his former girlfriend..

According to police, Huver and his ex-girlfriend signed a no-contact bail bond on June 21, 2013, which prohibited any type of contact.  But, police said, on June 27 and June 28, Huver reportedly sent 16 Facebook messages to the woman, in direct violation of the no-contact bail bond, leading to his arrest.

He posted $150 cash bond and was released pending a July 29, 2013 court appearance.

Tool for Police, Employers

While arrests related to Facebook posts are uncommon, they are not unheard of, and social media even have become investigative tools. An article a year ago on the Elgin news website BocaJump outlined how police there are using social media in law enforcement. In one instance, detectives scouring over gang-related Facebook posts were able to build a part of their case against two boys, then 15, who were charged with shooting to death a 16-year-old.

While the Elgin case differs markedly from the St. Charles case — the victim reported the Facebook messages to St. Charles police — it further illustrates the wisdom of discretion in posting to social media.

Related:

• The Daily Dot: The 9 Dumbest Facebook Arrests

Posting personal information on social media can be risky anyway — posting your full birth date, for example, or similar information can open the door to identity theft. Telling you social media friends that you’ve gone to the Dells for the weekend can let burglars know your house is vacant.

Related:

• Huffington Post: What NOT To Post on Facebook: 13 Things You Shouldn't Tell Your Facebook Friends

Such instances reinforce what employment counselors have been telling job seekers for several years: Don’t post anything on Facebook or other social media that might one day reflect badly on you. Whether it’s pictures from a party or grousing about your boss, social media posts may indicate to potential employers that you are not the kind of employee they’re seeking.

Related:

• About.com: What Not To Do On Facebook When You're Job Searching