A 59-year-old man in Miami, Florida, faces an aggravated stalking charge after allegedly threatening and following his ex-wife for over three years. Authorities say the behavior included surveillance with binoculars and tracking her vehicle. The victim reported feeling her life is in danger due to the escalating actions.
Michael J. Deardeuff, 59, has been charged with aggravated stalking following multiple incidents reported by his ex-wife, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by local media.
The two were married for 15 years before divorcing. The ex-wife detailed stalking and threats beginning more than three years ago. On December 11, 2022, Deardeuff allegedly threatened her, stating, "If I can't have you no one will, and I'll kill you and your new boyfriend."
Incidents continued into 2025. In June, Deardeuff followed her car to a gas station, where he approached and said, "I followed you last week." She recorded the encounter on video and provided it to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
The victim reported Deardeuff standing outside her home with binoculars. The following day, he was seen outside her gated community. On January 29, he allegedly arrived at her home and called her a "whore."
Deardeuff reportedly told her he could always locate her vehicle, leading family members to suspect he may have installed a GPS tracker. On February 24, he followed her in a silver Nissan Pathfinder.
Officers noted in the affidavit that "the victim is in fear for her life and believes the subject's actions are escalating." They added that his pattern of conduct has placed her in reasonable fear for her safety.
Police obtained an arrest warrant and took Deardeuff into custody on a recent Saturday. He has since posted a $5,000 bond.