Eau Claire TMZ Facebook page at one point had over 20k+ likes and even more followers. However, things seemed to have taken a downward spiral according to a recent Eau Claire Police Dept (ECPD) media release.
The ECPD posted on their Facebook page earlier today:
Ever wonder what happened to Eau Claire TMZ? The operator of Eau Claire TMZ -- Cheyenne Erdman -- was arrested for operating the website against his WI Sex Offender Registration rules!. Erdman also had other fake profiles on Facebook. He was arrested for the violation and will appear in court tomorrow. This is a great reminder why internet safety is soooo important! See attached media release for more information.
(MEDIA RELEASE) -- On June 19, 2017, the Eau Claire Police Department received information that lifetime registered sex offender, Cheyenne M. Erdman (DOB 12/10/1974), may be using alias names on Facebook: “Eau Claire TMZ”, Monneey Matthew: and “Bethany Mae Luivell”.
Eau Claire Police confirmed with a local sex offender registration specialist that Erdman never reported he was using social media websites, which would be a violation of his rules. In addition, it is a violation of Wisconsin State Statute 301.47(2)(b) in which a registered sex offender may not identify himself by a name that is not reported to the sex offender registration specialist.
Through the course of the investigation, Eau Claire Police were able to positively identify Erdman to be the sole operator of the Facebook Profile “Eau Claire TMZ”, “Monneey Matthew” and “Bethany Mae Luivell”. Erdman was contacted and questioned to his involvement in the social media website. He admitted to creating the Facebook profiles and knowingly violating the rules of the sex offender registration guidelines. Erman was arrested for violation of Wisconsin State Statute 301.47(2)(b) – Sex Offender Name Changes Prohibited. He was issued a court date of June 29, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.
The Eau Claire Police Department would like to remind everyone about the importance of Internet safety. The case above highlights that anyone can make an on-line profile(s) portraying themselves as someone else. The real person on the other end could be very dangerous to you or your loved ones. We recommend knowing the person you are “friends” with on Facebook, other social media accounts, or chatting with on-line. You should also review your privacy settings on the accounts you utilize, and set them to a level you are comfortable with.
Additional questions about Internet Safety should be directed to:
Bridget Coit
Public Information Officer
Eau Claire Police Department
715-839-4981
Last Update: Jun 28, 2017 9:06 pm CDT
