Las Vegas City Wire

A Las Vegas man appeared in court on Tuesday, facing charges of cyberstalking and sending threatening messages through Instagram to two employees at the University of Texas at Austin.

The indictment alleges that from June 6 to September 16, 2024, Brian Patrick Solomon, 38, sent direct messages with threats of injury to two high-level university employees. In May and June 2024, Solomon reportedly requested $450 via CashApp from one victim. Records show Solomon's previous arrests: on July 26, 2023, for burglary of a vehicle and criminal mischief in Austin, and on February 27, 2024, for stalking in Nevada. Following these incidents, a protection order was issued against him.

In July 2024, one victim attended the ESPYs for a speaking engagement when Solomon communicated his intention to attend by purchasing a ticket. Due to safety concerns, his ticket was revoked and the victim hired security at personal expense.

Solomon was arrested by the FBI on September 16, 2024. After being informed of his rights, he admitted to using multiple Instagram accounts to send thousands of messages to the victim out of anger. He also confessed to requesting money for travel expenses and previously flying to Austin.

The jury trial is set for December 17, 2024, under United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. Solomon faces charges of interstate communications with threat to injure and cyberstalking; if convicted, he could receive up to five years in prison.

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and FBI Special Agent Spencer L. Evans announced the case details. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with help from the University of Texas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Strange will prosecute.

An indictment is an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.