FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – In an unsettling series of events, a Palm Coast resident has found himself behind bars after taking possession of a woman’s deceased son’s ashes, as reported by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities revealed that they apprehended the man, 31-year-old Justin Fountain, on Saturday. He had been utilizing GPS technology to shadow the woman throughout the county.
According to investigators, the woman, who was identified as the victim, initially met Fountain on a dating platform. However, she soon found his behavior becoming alarmingly controlling and aggressive. Despite her pleas for him to cease all contact, he went as far as absconding with her child’s ashes.
Deputies: Tracking, threats and unwanted encounters
The victim recounted to authorities her decision to sever ties with Fountain, yet this did not deter him. Uninvited, he appeared at her workplace, further exacerbating the situation. As she returned to her temporary lodging, she was alarmed to spot Fountain’s vehicle stationed in the hotel’s parking area.
The relentless pursuit continued when the victim left to join a friend at a local Culver’s. Fountain allegedly tracked her to the location and attempted to initiate a conversation. Once more, she reiterated her demand for him to leave her in peace, deputies confirmed.
Alleged account access and intimidation
According to the sheriff’s office, the victim later went to Flagler Beach to get away, but began receiving alerts that someone had signed into her social media accounts. She told deputies she did not give Fountain permission to access her accounts and believed he gained access while she was sleeping.
Deputies said Fountain also texted threats meant to keep her from contacting law enforcement, including claims she could be arrested on a warrant if she called police. Other messages included:
“You need to answer my calls if you know what’s good for you”
“I’m going to destroy you”
Victim says ashes were taken — and threatened
Authorities said Fountain sent messages claiming he had stolen a teddy bear that contained the victim’s sons’ ashes and threatened to burn it if she kept ignoring him.
Traffic stop leads to arrest, deputies say
Using investigative methods, deputies located Fountain traveling north on Interstate 95 and conducted a traffic stop. Fountain said he was driving to Georgia, according to the sheriff’s office.
[RELATED: Watch body-camera footage of the arrest below]
During a search of the vehicle, deputies said they found the stolen teddy bear containing the ashes. The item was later returned to the victim.
“I commend the victim for coming forward despite this stalker’s threats,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Be extremely careful who you give access to your life. Your cell phone, laptop and residence hold banking info, social media accounts, and cherished memories. Evil, jealous and cruel men like Fountain will use anything to control their victims, including extorting them with their most personal and emotional memories.”
Charges filed
Fountain was arrested and now faces the following charges:
Aggravated stalking
Extortion
Hindering communication with law enforcement
Unauthorized installation of a tracking device
Access to an electronic device without authority
Deputies transported Fountain to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is held on bond of $61,000.
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