Officials in the United Kingdom issued a warning to people mocking the hairline of a wanted convicted drug dealer, saying that those who insult the man on Facebook and social media could face criminal charges. (Gwent Police)

Fugitive’s Receding Hair Mocked on Facebook, Sparking Police Warning

Officials in the United Kingdom issued a warning to people mocking the hairline of a wanted convicted drug dealer, saying that those who insult the man on Facebook and social media could face criminal charges.

The Gwent Police Department in South Wales wrote on Facebook to appeal for information about 21-year-old Jermaine Taylor from Newport, who violated his parole. He was released from prison last year.

He was sentenced for supplying cocaine in September 2017 and received a 3-year sentence.

“We’re appealing for information to locate 21 year old Jermaine Taylor, from Newport, who has breached his licence conditions after being released from prison on 10th December 2018. Taylor received a 3 year sentence for being concerned in supplying controlled drugs (cocaine) after being sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on 4th September 2017,” the police department wrote. “Due to the fact that Taylor, who was released on licence, breached their licence conditions they have now been recalled to prison.”

However, users mocked his hair.

“Push his release date back further than his hair line, that should teach him,” one person wrote.

Another added, “Who done his hair? Moses?”

Commented a third, “Looks like his hairline is on the run too.”

“Went into the barbers and asked for a short top and forehead, instead of short back and sides,” wrote one.

But the police issued a warning, saying people could be arrested for harassing the convicted drug offender on social media.

“Please remember that harassing, threatening and abusing people on social media can be against the law. Our advice is to be as careful on social media as you would in any other form of communication. If you say something about someone which is grossly offensive or is of an indecent, obscene or menacing character, then you could be investigated by the police,” the department commented.

Most commenters blasted the department over the warning.

“Do some proper police work instead of jumping on the liberal snowflake wagon,” wrote one person.

“I am offended by this comment and believe it’s menacing threatening to investigate me for saying words. Now what? You gotta investigate yourselves,” another said.

The post had 83,000 comments and thousands of shares less than a week after it was posted online.

NC Sheriff’s Office Calls for Kindness

In a similar case, North Carolina sheriff is calling on social media users to be kind after a Florida man was arrested on drug trafficking charges.

Orlando Lopez, 43, of Palm Coast, Florida, was pulled over on June 28 for a traffic violation on Interstate 95, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post.

Officials then found 98 grams of cocaine and 35 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle, the post read.

But that wasn’t what people were talking about. A number of Facebook commenters made reference to the shape of the man’s skull.

“He’s obviously not right in the head,” wrote one commenter.

It prompted a response from the sheriff’s office.

“EVEN THOUGH THIS INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN CHARGED FOR COMMITTING A CRIME, HE IS STILL SOMEONE’S CHILD/FAMILY MEMBER. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT HE HAS SUFFERED SOME TYPE OF INJURY. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM MAKING JOKES/NEGATIVE COMMENTS. HAVE A BLESSED DAY,” the sheriff’s office said.

But unlike the Gwent Police Department, the sheriff’s office didn’t warn users that they could be arrested for such insults.

Some people agreed with the sheriff’s office’s comment.

“This man was arrested for a crime committed, however, he is still a human being and deserves to be treated like one. Thank you, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office for your post. Cudo’s to you. This man deserves to be treated humanely and deserves prayer, not ugliness,” one person wrote.

A number of users echoed the department’s note and blasted those who made jokes about Lopez’s appearance.

“Regardless of his alleged crime, this man is someone’s child and family member. Show some respect,” said another person.

Added another, “It is really a shame when adults need a disclaimer to have some sort of human decency.”