Felony Charge For Craigslist Prank

MARCH 5--Meet Kari Heath. The Wisconsin woman, 20, is facing a felony charge for allegedly posing as an ex-boyfriend and posting a Craigslist personals ad seeking other men to call him at work and 'talk dirty to him.'

According to a criminal complaint, Heath placed the ad last month after arguing with her boyfriend Joseph Strasburg. The ad, which was posted in Craigslist's 'Casual Encounters' section, included several photos of the 24-year-old Strasburg, including one explicit image, and his business phone number. Heath's former beau contacted cops when a man called him about the online ad.

Strasburg, 24, told investigators that Heath subsequently sent him a text message admitting responsibility for the prank, which resulted this week in her arrest for identity theft. When interviewed by police, Heath admitted placing the online ad in Craigslist's 'personal column, homosexual section.'

A similar Craigslist prank has triggered a criminal probe of a Texas man who allegedly posed as a female acquaintance and posted a Valentine's Day ad offering sexual favors. The purported advertiser promised to 'moan like Shamu.' (3 pages)