The News4JAX I-TEAM has uncovered new details about an anonymous mass text message campaign targeting two prominent Jacksonville leaders.
Anonymous mass text smear campaign targeting Jacksonville leaders likely considered ‘protected speech’Blue green algae spotted at Doctors Lake Center; how to protect yourself & your petsFlorida Tributary’s Nate Monroe shares insight in the new developments in JEA investigationThe texts have been sent to hundreds, possibly thousands, of North Florida residents. The sender remains unknown, using spoofed phone numbers to conceal their identity.
“There are services — paid services — that can be used to do this,” said Ian Marlow, CEO of Fintech Consultants. “It’s not typically an individual acting alone. They’re using an online platform to distribute messages at scale.” Marlow said obtaining large lists of phone numbers is relatively easy, and the cost to send mass texts anonymously is low. He added that payment methods can be difficult to trace. “You can buy prepaid gift cards that aren’t tied to a name,” Marlow said. “You can also use disposable email accounts. That makes it harder to identify who’s behind the messages.”
He also noted that laws regulating robocalls and mass texting often lag behind rapidly evolving technology. News4JAX has learned this type of messaging may be considered protected speech. Legal experts point to the 1994 U.S. Supreme Court case, which upheld the right to distribute anonymous political material. The court ruled that anonymity is a longstanding part of free political expression, and criticism of public officials generally falls within those protections. While the content of the texts could potentially raise defamation concerns, there is no indication that either Cavey or Davis plans to pursue legal action.
Experts warn that as Florida heads deeper into an election year, similar campaigns could become more common. “There are legitimate uses for this technology,” Marlow said. “But like anything else, it can also be used by groups with opposing agendas.”Tarik MinorElijah joined News4Jax in 2024 and is grateful everyday for the experiences the job brings him. He graduated from Bethune Cookman University in 2023 and Full Sail University with an MFA in 2024, where he honed his photography skills freelancing and building his own client base in addition to his studies.
Local nonprofit helps disabled Army veteran, fiancée become homeowners in Green Cove Springs'If you know something, say something': Mother of Rashaud Fields pleads for answers in his deathIt's harvest time! These mighty microgreens are ready...Operation New Uniform hosts 10th annual clay shooting fundraiser for veteransJacksonville family to remember teen killed hours after high school graduation four years ago‘First-of-its-kind’ affordable apartments coming to Northside; 25% of units reserved for DCPS staffWhat really happens after you drop off a donation? 👀Jags safety, Marine Officer Rayuan Lane III swears in recruits before NFL seasonJEA board member warns against waiving attorney-client privilege at rates and capacity fee workshopFrom gold to green, just a few more days and it's harvest time!Added JSO patrols at Raines High after shooting near school
Politics Vickie Cavey Daniel Davis Jax Chamber I-Team Investigations
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