RYAN, JOHN THOMAS

Palm Beach County Man Charged with Aggravated Stalking, S3xual Cyber harassment, and Extortion Following Alleged Threatening Messages

By Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots —

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (April 20, 2026)
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 38-year-old John Thomas Ryan, a tattoo artist, on multiple felony charges after an investigation into an active threat incident that occurred over the evening of April 17 and into the early morning hours of April 18, 2026.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Sheriff’s Office (agency report #26052708), deputies initially responded to a report of repeated threatening messages and calls. The Targeted Violence Unit took over the investigation after deputies observed the harassing nature of the communications.

Investigators say Ryan, who was already on three years of probation from a prior case involving the same individual, allegedly sent a flurry of calls and text messages that escalated into explicit threats. The messages reportedly included statements such as “I’m on my way,” “If you’re not home, I’m setting the house ablaze,” and references to damaging a vehicle described as “the Ford dead.”
He also allegedly threatened to damage the victim’s reputation at work and demanded payment for his upcoming car payment, stating she would be “safe” if she complied.

The affidavit states Ryan further allegedly sent explicit images of the victim — without her consent — to at least one third party via direct messages on social media, accompanied by derogatory and s3xually explicit comments. The victim reported she never authorized the sharing of any such images and promptly removed them when discovered.
During the on-scene interview, the victim’s phone reportedly powered off and was remotely wiped, an action she attributed solely to Ryan having prior access to her credentials.

The investigation revealed a documented history between the parties. Court records referenced in the affidavit show Ryan was previously arrested in 2024 for domestic battery (case #2024MM009946) and later for aggravated stalking, harassing telephone calls, and violation of pre-trial release (case #2024CF009857). Those cases were consolidated, and in March 2025 Ryan pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges of harassing telephone calls and violation of conditions of pre-trial release.
He was sentenced to three years of probation, which included an ankle monitor, domestic violence classes, and a no-contact order that was later modified to “no violent contact.”

Despite those conditions, the affidavit alleges Ryan knowingly violated the court-imposed prohibition by continuing to contact the victim, harass her, and make credible threats that caused her substantial emotional distress. The communications reportedly served no legitimate purpose and occurred while he remained on probation.

Based on the evidence reviewed — including screenshots of the messages preserved and uploaded to Evidence.com — the Sheriff’s Office affidavit established probable cause for the following charges:
FSS 784.048(4) – Aggravated Stalking After Court-Imposed Prohibition

FSS 784.048(3) – Aggravated Stalking With Credible Threat

FSS 784.049 – S3xual Cyberharassment

FSS 836.05 – Extortion
The probable cause affidavit was sworn to and subscribed on April 18, 2026, by the investigating officer and notarized the same day.

Ryan faces these new felony charges in addition to any potential probation violations stemming from the incident. This is a developing story; court records will provide further updates on the case as it proceeds through the judicial system.

The Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots reminds the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arresting Agency: 01-PBSO
04/19/2026 09:06

Charges
836.05 1 (FS) EXTORT – MALICIOUSLY THREATEN INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON

784.048 4 (FT) AGGRAVATED STALKING – FOLLOW HARASS CYBERSTALK AFTER INJUNCTION

784.048 3 (FT) AGGRAV STALKING – FOLLOW HARASS CYBERSTALK CRED THREAT TO PERSON

784.049 3A (MF) STALKING – S3XUALLY CYBERHARASSES ANOTHER PERSON
Original Bond: $0.00

Additional Arrest Records for RYAN, JOHN THOMAS

 RYAN, JOHN

July 1, 2025

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