Patchogue Man Arrested For Stalking Miller Place Woman

An East Patchogue man was arrested Wednesday, March 9 after agreeing to meet with a 49-year-old Miller Place woman, whom he had allegedly been stalking for three years, at a Starbucks in Medford.

According to Suffolk County Police, Joseph Mathews, 37, began making contact with the victim and her family by both phone and mail in 2008. Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers' investigations of Mathews, who concealed his identity and was able to avoid traditional investigation methods by police, spanned more than three years before leading to his arrest Wednesday afternoon at the Starbucks located at 2717 Route 112 in Medford.

The location was under surveillance by Crime Section officers, who approached Mathews after spotting him inside. The Suspect fled the scene but was arrested a short distance from the Starbucks.

Mathews was released on bail and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday, March 11 on charges of fourth degree stalking, three counts of second degree aggravated harassment and resisting arrest.