A 41-year-old Massachusetts man has been federally indicted on allegations that he repeatedly called and texted Katie Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, and sent offensive messages to members of her family.
John Anthony Proia III, of Waltham, was charged with cyberstalking following an investigation by federal authorities in Boston. Prosecutors allege that Proia contacted the woman through several phone numbers between August 3 and September 23, at times using profanity and speaking in what they described as a threatening or menacing manner.
Although the indictment does not name the alleged victim, a person familiar with the investigation identified her as Katie Miller, a conservative podcaster and the wife of Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump.
Authorities also allege that Proia sent messages to phone numbers belonging to Katie Miller’s parents. Some of those communications reportedly contained derogatory references to her husband, including descriptions portraying him as “evil” and using antisemitic and extremist terminology.
Massachusetts US Attorney Leah Foley said the allegations involved repeated communications directed at the woman, her husband and other family members, adding that the conduct had a significant impact on their lives.
Proia appeared in federal court in Boston and entered a not-guilty plea. His lawyer has not publicly commented on the allegations.
The case also drew attention to developments within the FBI. According to people familiar with the investigation, two counterterrorism officials at the FBI’s Washington Field Office were demoted and transferred to lower-level positions at the bureau’s Washington headquarters after concerns arose surrounding the inquiry.
US Attorney General Todd Blanche said on social media that the alleged conduct amounted to criminal behavior and would be prosecuted. Katie Miller later shared his statement and expressed her thanks.
The indictment represents allegations against Proia, and the charges remain to be proven in court.
