Man Accused of Stealing Teddy Bear Holding Child’s Ashes

What began as a short-lived relationship allegedly turned into a stalking investigation after a Florida woman reported that a teddy bear containing her deceased son’s ashes had disappeared from her hotel room.

Investigators alleged the missing keepsake was only one part of a pattern of harassment that unfolded over several days. According to the investigation, the woman also received dozens of threatening text messages and repeated phone calls after ending the relationship. One message allegedly threatened to destroy the teddy bear, while others warned that she would continue being harassed if she ignored him. The suspect also allegedly claimed authorities from another state were on their way to arrest her.

As deputies continued investigating, they learned the woman had recently moved to Florida and met the man online. The two had dated for only a few weeks before she decided to end the relationship because she said he had become verbally aggressive and increasingly controlling. She told him she no longer wanted contact with him and asked him to return a spare key to the hotel where she was staying.

Authorities alleged the unwanted contact continued anyway. Investigators said the suspect unexpectedly appeared at the woman’s workplace before later showing up at a restaurant where she was eating with a friend. He was also accused of following her to a nearby beach. While she was there, the woman reportedly received alerts that someone had logged into her social media accounts. Investigators alleged the suspect had obtained her passwords after taking her phone while she was asleep during an earlier encounter.

Deputies said the woman ultimately received about 60 phone calls from multiple numbers along with more than 50 text messages. Investigators later used photographs the suspect allegedly sent by text message to determine his location before taking him into custody.

The 31-year-old was charged with cyberstalking, illegal use of a tracking device, and unauthorized access to a computer. He was booked into the county jail on a $61,000 bond.

If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.