VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) – Stalking and related charges have been filed against a Franklin man who allegedly placed a tracking device in a woman vehicle without her knowledge or consent.
Court documents indicate the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department filed criminal charges against 35-year-old Matthew C. Bean.
According to a criminal complaint, around 4:00 p.m. on August 20, a known female victim reported to Sugarcreek Borough Police that she had found a tracking device on her car.
The victim stated Matthew Bean, who she had previously been in a relationship with, had placed a tracking device under her daughter’s car seat in her vehicle. The victim told police she contacted Bean when she found the device, and he denied placing it there at first, but eventually admitted to doing so, the complaint states.
The victim also reported that Bean has followed her around Venango County and Crawford County, showing up at locations when she did not tell him where she was going. She also told police she had become concerned about him following her and later found out through conversations with Bean that he had been using his cell phone and an app to track her, according to the complaint.
The victim also reported that Bean had shoved her in the past, the complaint notes.
Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey granted the victim a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order which was then served on Bean later in the day on August 20. Police also questioned Bean after securing his phone, the complaint indicates.
Bean reportedly said that “he realized he went too far this time with her (the victim),” the complaint states.
He was then advised to have no further contact with the victim.
The following charges were filed against Bean through Magisterial District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey’s office on October 22
– Stalking – Repeatedly Commit Acts To Cause Fear, Misdemeanor 1
– Possess Instrument Of Crime With Intent, Misdemeanor 1
– Harassment – Follow In Public Place, Summary
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 9 at 3:00 p.m. in Venango County Central Court with Judge Lowrey presiding.
