A TikTok user calling himself a "demonologist" was arrested after exposing private information from women online.
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What Is a "Demonologist"?
As the New York Post reports, Mark Stephen Asea claimed he could track hundreds of women through their phones. He also described himself as a "former satanist" and "cybersecurity engineer." He currently categorizes himself as a "Clairsentient," "Empath," "PTSD," "Grey Hat Hacker," and "Woodsman."
The 36-year-old from Port St. Lucie, Florida, was arrested on Sep. 30 for an offense against computer users, a felony. Sheriff's records show bond was set at $35,000.
This wasn't Asea's first run-in with the law. In April, he was arrested on stalking and other computer-related allegations. Court records show prosecutors dropped those charges in May.
The affidavit contains testimony from two women who claim their private information appeared in TikToks posted by Asea.
In a video, Asea allegedly named details about one woman's device and claimed to know her recent spending. She told investigators her password had been shared in a closed TikTok group chat. He wasn't a member of the group chat, but she suspects he joined through a fake account. She didn't know how he got her information.
Asea Allegedly Placed a Virus On a Computer
One woman trusted the self-described "demonologist" to help her with a computer issue. She allowed him to access her computer last year to troubleshoot an app. Several months later, he claimed he put a virus on her computer. It allegedly allowed him to view her information without her knowledge.
After that, a photograph from a private message appeared on one of Asea's TikTok posts. Police also documented statements from Asea boasting about finding her location through her phone.
Investigators said Asea uploaded more than 100 TikToks mentioning one woman. He also allegedly obtained a website where he posted a photo of her getting a tattoo.
Over the summer, Asea faced a separate civil stalking protection case. A judge dismissed that case last month.
Prosecutors reopened the criminal case against Asea on Sep. 24. They also filed the current charge alleging unauthorized access to a computer or electronic device. It is not known why the earlier charges were dropped. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 19.
