Fired TriMet driver accused of cyber attacks

PORTLAND, Ore. – Union leaders for employees of TriMet said a former TriMet bus driver is launching cyber attacks from Thailand to harass people he blames for losing his job.

Union leaders say James Stenger has harassed his victims by sending automated wake-up calls in the middle of the night, posting ads online selling their things and writing obscene restaurant reviews in their names.

Jonathan Hunt is the union president for TriMet workers and said he has been the victim of Stenger’s attacks. A Google search of his name brings up blogs filled with hate, racism and obscenities.

Meanwhile, Hunt said the posts made in his name are untrue and are attacks, Hunt said, being perpetrated by Stenger.

“It’s a total mischaracterization of who I am and this organization,” said Hunt. “We are proud union members, and we celebrate the differences of all.”

The harassment stems from an incident six years ago at the Kauai Island Grill in Southwest Portland. Workers there said Stenger, in TriMet uniform, made racial comments.

Hunt said Stenger went through the grievance process but in the end union membership voted not to support him. Stenger later pleaded guilty to harassment in court.

“It was all part of a cover-up," Stenger said in a YouTube video interview. "It was just to make them look. I’m not a racist.”

Stenger said he did not use a racial slur and was fired unfairly, perhaps he said, because he had a machine gun collection.

“That’s the way TriMet is – it’s just like a woman," he said in the YouTube video. "They don’t want to give you no answers, you know. It’s all cover-up.”

The harassment goes beyond just fake blogs, Hunt said. He said taxi drivers show up in the middle of the night at his house, locksmiths come to change his locks and tow trucks come to take away his car. He said all of it is frightening for his family.

He said computer forensics show it is Stenger, overseas, initiating the attacks.

“Hopefully, he seeks some help and is able to get his life on track,” said Hunt. “He’s clearly struggling.”

In the YouTube interview, Stenger first said it is TriMet that won’t let him return to the United States. Later he said it’s because of homeland security.

“These new laws – like Homeland Security – you don’t want to mess with them," Stenger said. "They’ll pick you up on suspicion on any little thing.”

Meanwhile, Hunt said he hopes this soon will be coming to an end. “He’s going to have his day in court someday,” Hunt said. “I hope it’s sooner rather than later.”

A message sent to Stenger over the Internet has yet to be answered.

The union said the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the U.S. attorney’s office are now involved in the case.