Tucson Man Convicted of Interstate Stalking After Pursuing Victim for 18 Years

TUCSON, AZ—Moses Antonio Shepard, 47, of Tucson, was found guilty last week, by a federal jury in Tucson, of two counts of interstate stalking. Shepard is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson on April 2, 2012.

“President Obama has proclaimed January 2012 as National Stalking Awareness Month,” said Ann Birmingham Scheel, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. “Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, many victims of stalking forego reporting the crime. This case demonstrates that victims of stalking can rest assured that the law enforcement community will vigorously pursue those who engage in stalking. I would like to thank the FBI and the West Hartford, Connecticut Police Department for their investigation of this case.”

The evidence at trial showed that Shepard met the victim in a running club in New York City in 1992. Shepard pursued the victim over the next two decades despite her repeatedly telling him she was not interested in him, and despite her requests that he leave her alone. Shepard continuously contacted the victim by telephone, mail, and e-mail, and managed to track her down as she moved across the country, attempting to conceal her whereabouts from him. On a number of occasions, Shepard traveled to the victim’s home, school, or place of work. He also contacted and harassed the victim’s family members during his relentless pursuit. In 2007, Shepard traveled from Tucson to Connecticut, where he waited near the victim’s home for two days in an attempt to meet with her. From 2009 to 2010, Shepard sent the victim dozens of e-mails, some of which were threatening in nature.

A conviction for interstate stalking carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Jorgenson will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the West Hartford (Connecticut) Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Angela W. Woolridge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.