A date that began on the dating app Grindr allegedly unraveled into stalking, intimidation and a home break-in, capped by threatening voicemails and the distribution of sexually explicit videos, authorities said.
Caleb J. Stewart, 36, was arrested Dec. 28, 2025, and charged with stalking under G.S. 14-277.3A and breaking or entering under G.S. 14-54, according to jail records.
Investigators say Stewart met the victim through Grindr and went on a date that later ended. Police allege Stewart refused to accept the rejection and began a sustained pattern of unwanted contact, including repeated calls, messages and uninvited visits to the victim’s home.
According to police reports, the victim told Stewart to stop contacting him, but investigators say Stewart’s behavior escalated rather than subsided. Authorities describe a shift from repeated attempts to re-engage to anger, fixation and intimidation as communication was cut off.
Investigators allege Stewart began sending the victim videos depicting the two engaged in sexual activity, despite being told not to make further contact. Police say the videos were sent without consent and were intended to harass, pressure or intimidate the victim into responding.
Authorities say the situation escalated further when Stewart allegedly entered the victim’s home without permission while the victim was away. Investigators described the break-in as targeted and deliberate, raising concerns about the victim’s safety.
After the alleged break-in, police say Stewart left multiple voicemail messages that were threatening in tone. According to investigators, the messages included statements such as, “You can’t ignore me forever,” and “I know where you live,” along with warnings that the victim would “have to deal with” him.
Court documents indicate investigators reviewed message histories showing an escalating pattern that included persistent contact, sexually explicit material, threats and physical intrusion. Authorities say the combination of behaviors formed the basis for the stalking charge.
Stewart, listed in jail records as 6 feet 3 inches tall, remains in custody pending court proceedings. Bond information and details about legal representation were not immediately available.
Law enforcement officials warned that online dating disputes can quickly turn dangerous, urging anyone experiencing harassment, threats or nonconsensual sharing of intimate material to report it promptly and preserve all communications.
