TL;DR: Bryan Fleming, founder of stalkerware company pcTattletale, pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026 to federal charges of computer hacking, conspiracy, and selling surveillance software for unlawful purposes. He faces up to 15 years in prison. This is only the second federal stalkerware prosecution in a decade. Fleming was brazen—he put his face in YouTube ads promoting software to spy on spouses. The case came after Homeland Security ran an undercover operation starting in 2021.
What Happened
Bryan Fleming built pcTattletale from his home in Bruce Township, Michigan. Unlike other stalkerware operators who hide behind shell companies and anonymity, Fleming was the face of his product. He appeared in YouTube videos promoting the software and used slogans like "Catch a Cheating Husband."[1]
On January 6, 2026, Fleming pleaded guilty in a San Diego federal court to:
- Computer hacking
- Conspiracy
- Unlawfully selling and advertising surveillance software
He faces up to 15 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 3, 2026.[2]
How pcTattletale Worked
The software was marketed explicitly for non-consensual monitoring. Court documents show Fleming started advertising pcTattletale in 2017 "to persons wanting to spy on spouses or partners without their knowledge."[3]
The spyware captured screenshots from victims' devices whenever they unlocked their phones or computers, then uploaded the images to pcTattletale servers. Buyers could monitor their targets in near real-time.
The plea agreement notes that "the stalking was performed via video capture, with the software recording the victims' every move whenever their device was unlocked."
By the end of 2021, financial records seized during the investigation showed Fleming had made more than $600,000 from the business.[4]
The Software Was Also a Security Disaster
pcTattletale didn't just enable stalking—it was also spectacularly insecure:[5]
- 2021: Screenshots stored in unsecured databases accessible without authentication. Anyone could see what victims were seeing.
- 2024: An API vulnerability allowed unrestricted access to captured screens from any device. Backend credentials were exposed and shared across all systems, enabling attackers to steal victim data and customer information.
So the people using pcTattletale to spy on partners had their targets' data exposed to the entire internet. The watchers were being watched.
How He Got Caught
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched a probe in June 2021 as part of a wider investigation into more than 100 websites selling stalkerware products.[6]
One HSI agent went undercover, posing as a marketer to get close to Fleming. Court records show Fleming personally sent the undercover agent advertising banners with slogans like "Catch a Cheating Husband."
Fleming's public presence made him an easier target than typical stalkerware operators. Most hide behind anonymous registrations and offshore hosting. Fleming put his face in ads.
Why This Matters
This is only the second federal stalkerware prosecution in a decade.[7]
The first was in 2014 when the creator of StealthGenie was indicted and pleaded guilty. In the 10 years since, the stalkerware industry has grown into a multi-million dollar market, with dozens of companies openly selling surveillance tools marketed for spying on partners, children, and employees.
Eva Galperin of the Electronic Frontier Foundation commented: "One of the most striking aspects of this case is the extent to which stalkerware companies like pcTattletale operate out in the open" because "the people behind these companies so rarely face consequences."[8]
Fabio Assolini of Kaspersky noted that the guilty plea signals a shift: "The guilty plea is a significant and unusual development, particularly since in most countries, legal responsibility has historically fallen on the perpetrator, not the developer of stalkerware." Holding Fleming accountable "signals that such an assumption may no longer hold true in the US."
The Stalkerware Problem
Stalkerware—also called spouseware or intimate partner surveillance software—is commercial spyware sold explicitly for monitoring someone without their knowledge. Common features include:
- GPS location tracking
- Text message and call interception
- Screenshot capture
- Social media monitoring
- Keylogging
- Hidden camera and microphone access
These apps are frequently used in domestic abuse situations. A 2020 study by the Coalition Against Stalkerware found that 70% of domestic violence programs reported clients whose abusers used stalkerware to monitor them.
Despite clear laws against unauthorized computer access, stalkerware companies operate in a gray zone. They claim their products are for "parental monitoring" or "employee oversight" while marketing them for spousal surveillance.
If You Think You're Being Monitored
Check for Unknown Apps
Stalkerware often hides under generic names like "System Service" or "Phone Backup." Look for apps you don't recognize.
Watch Battery and Data Usage
Monitoring software runs constantly. Unusual battery drain or data usage can indicate surveillance.
Use Safe Communication
If you suspect monitoring, use a different device your abuser doesn't have access to. Public library computers, a friend's phone.
Get Help Safely
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can help you plan safe technology use and escape.
Factory Reset With Caution
A factory reset removes stalkerware but alerts your abuser that you found it. Plan carefully before acting.
Contact the Coalition Against Stalkerware
stopstalkerware.org provides resources and detection tools specifically for stalkerware survivors.
The Bottom Line
Bryan Fleming made over $600,000 selling software that let people spy on their partners. He advertised openly, put his face in YouTube videos, and sent marketing materials to undercover federal agents.
Now he faces 15 years in prison. It took HSI five years and an undercover operation to get here.
The stalkerware industry is still thriving. Dozens of similar companies operate openly. But this prosecution shows that selling surveillance tools explicitly marketed for illegal use can lead to federal prison—not just for the people who install the software, but for the people who build and sell it.
For the thousands of people whose intimate moments were captured by pcTattletale and stored on insecure servers accessible to anyone, this verdict is too late. But for the industry, it might be a warning.
References
- TechCrunch - Founder of spyware maker pcTattletale pleads guilty
- Malwarebytes - pcTattletale founder pleads guilty as US cracks down on stalkerware
- The Register - Stalkerware maker pleads guilty to sale of snooping software
- Bitdefender - pcTattletale founder pleads guilty in rare stalkerware prosecution
- Security Boulevard - Owner of Stalkerware Maker pcTattletale Pleads Guilty to Hacking
- SC Media - Spyware company founder pleads guilty to federal charges
- Hackread - pcTattletale Founder Bryan Fleming Pleads Guilty
- WebProNews - Spyware Founder Bryan Fleming Pleads Guilty to Hacking Charges
Published: January 24, 2026