A Turlock man who relentlessly harassed and terrorized his former partner has been convicted of felony stalking and sentenced to state prison, according to Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero.

Manuel Dejesus Cardiel, 43, was found guilty after prosecutors detailed his obsessive and escalating behavior following the end of his dating relationship with the victim in late 2023.

After the breakup, Cardiel refused to let go, monitoring the victim’s movements, accessing her smart home devices, and sending her unsolicited messages. When she blocked his communications, he created new phone numbers and multiple social media accounts to continue his harassment.

The situation worsened as Cardiel removed security cameras from her home, ransacked her living space, and followed her to work and other locations. He also broke into her home and vandalized her car, leaving the victim in fear for her safety.

Terrified, the victim contacted the Turlock Police Department, which launched an investigation. Detectives gathered enough evidence to arrest Cardiel, leading to his conviction.

For more information or to report similar crimes, contact the Turlock Police Department at (209) 668-5550 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at www.stancrimetips.org.