Bemidji Man Faces Mail Theft, Harassment Felonies
Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man faces three felony charges involving alleged harassment and mail theft.
Michael Jason Cioci is charged with felony mail theft and two felony harassment counts.
The allegations involve an online therapist and a former neighbor, according to the criminal complaint.
Therapist Reports Repeated Messages
Investigators received a harassment report from a telehealth therapist in July 2026.
The therapist asked authorities to keep her identity private.
The complaint says an online client had previously used the name “Dolly Flores.”
The therapist later received another appointment request from the same account.
After declining the request, she allegedly received unwanted messages commenting on her appearance.
Similar messages later came from an account using Cioci’s name, court records state.
The therapist became concerned about escalating behavior and reported fearing for her safety.
Investigators later received account information linking the “Dolly” email account to Cioci, according to the complaint.
Authorities searched Cioci’s residence on August 3.
The complaint says Cioci admitted using fake names, including “Dolly,” when contacting online therapists.
Former Neighbor Also Mentioned
Investigators also questioned Cioci about alleged contact with a former neighbor.
Cioci allegedly admitted opening the woman’s mail without permission to obtain her contact information.
The complaint says he then sent repeated unwanted sexual messages and an inappropriate image.
One message allegedly referenced the woman’s windows being open at night.
Authorities say Cioci acknowledged sending other messages intended to get a reaction.
His cellphone was seized as evidence during the investigation.
Three Felony Charges Filed
The mail theft count carries up to three years in prison.
It also carries a possible fine of up to $5,000.
Each harassment count carries up to five years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine.
Prosecutors filed both harassment counts as second or subsequent violations within ten years.
Readers can review Minnesota’s mail theft statute.
Minnesota’s harassment and stalking law is also available online.
Public case information is available through Minnesota Court Records Online.
The case is filed under Beltrami County court file number 04-CR-26-1805.
The charges and supporting claims are allegations and do not establish guilt.
Cioci is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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