In October, 2019, a female University of Delaware student reported receiving a series of harassing text messages from unknown, anonymous numbers. She began to receive the messages in August, 2019. The messages contained vulgar language and derogatory remarks.
Newark Detectives traced the messages to a web-based messaging service which allows messages to be sent anonymously. During interviews with Detectives, the victim provided the name of a possible suspect who was a former acquaintance who she knew from the University of Delaware. The victim had not been in contact with the possible suspect for over four months.
Newark Detectives learned that investigators from the University of Delaware Police Department were also investigating the same suspect for similar conduct involving a different victim. Detectives from both agencies were able to identify a link between the suspect and both victims. The victims had no other known connection. The suspect was identified based upon investigation into the computer used to access the messaging service.
The suspect was identified as Kyle Stevens, 25, of Newark. Warrants were obtained for his arrest through Justice of the Peace Court #2.
On December 11, 2019, Stevens was taken into custody without incident at his residence in Newark.
Stevens was transported to Newark Police Headquarters where he was charged with Stalking and Harassment. In addition, he was charged with an additional count of Stalking for the case investigated by the University of Delaware Police Department. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #2 by video and was ordered to be held in default of $5,000 secured bail. Stevens was turned over to the custody of the Howard R Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Det. W. Anderson at (302) 366-7100 x. 3469 or wanderson@newark.de.us. Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.