A man accused of stalking has been arrested for making threatening social media posts and persistently following a former coworker.

Jacob Yerkes was taken into custody on charges of stalking and harassment after a combined investigation by the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and Lenoir City Police Department. Due to public attention, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force also got involved.

Police revealed that Yerkes’ actions toward his former coworker started in mid-June, with unwanted advances that escalated over time. Records show Yerkes continued contacting her in various ways, including through social media, text messages, and even appearing at her workplace and following her in his car.

Police initially encountered Yerkes at the Lenoir City Municipal Offices, where he claimed a woman’s father had threatened him after he tried to impress her at her job.

“He mentioned he just wanted her to hear a song he wrote for her,” said Lenoir City Police Chief Don White. “Some of his comments were concerning, including remarks that women fantasize about being stalked. He made several other disturbing comments.”

“We realized we could increase the charges from just stalking and harassment to aggravated stalking,” White added.

After securing charges, law enforcement located Yerkes at a nearby hotel. Even after his arrest, police noted he continued making bizarre comments that raised more concerns.

Yerkes is currently held at the Loudon County Jail without bond.

Jacob Yerkes, the man seen in this video that went viral last week for his odd behavior and threats to the woman he’s speaking has been taken into custody.
The video was so viral that it got the attention of the FBI. pic.twitter.com/mo0QhZifoK

— 🥀_ Imposter_🥀 (@Imposter_Edits) November 9, 2022

As the investigation continues, officers are working to remove Yerkes’ social media videos. Police believe there could be more victims and encourage anyone affected to contact the Lenoir City Police.

The Lenoir City Police Department launched an investigation into Yerkes on Nov. 2 after reports of his repeated, unwelcome contact with a coworker, as well as his violent threats posted on social media. These posts attracted nationwide attention, prompting the involvement of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.