Man Accused of Tracking Victim Over Debt with Device

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A 44-year-old Hialeah man named Gabriel Pena has been charged with aggravated stalking, installing a tracking device without consent, and trespassing after allegedly stalking and placing a tracking device in the car of another man who owed him $200,000 from a previous business deal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of stalking and the use of surveillance technology to harass individuals, even over civil financial disputes. It raises concerns about privacy, personal safety, and the need for stronger laws to protect victims of stalking and unwanted surveillance.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, the victim owed Pena $200,000 from a business deal they completed around two years ago. Pena would randomly appear where the victim was, including outside his home, and demand payment. In December, the victim saw an unknown person in his driveway on surveillance cameras and received a notification that a tracking device was nearby, which was later identified as belonging to Pena. On Tuesday, the victim called police when Pena was knocking on his door, and Doral Police arrived to catch Pena trying to leave the gated community. Investigators noted Pena was wearing the same clothing as the person spotted on the victim's surveillance footage in December.

• In December, the victim saw an unknown person in his driveway on surveillance cameras and received a notification that a tracking device was nearby.
• On Tuesday, the victim called police when Pena was knocking on his door.

What’s next

Pena remains in jail as of Wednesday afternoon and was issued a $500 bond. The judge will determine if he will be allowed out on bail.