NEW VINEYARD — A New Sharon man faces several charges after he was accused of stalking a former partner, despite being given several warnings to leave her alone.

Franklin County Cpl. Nate Reid arrested Matthew R. Giustra, 43, on Tuesday on a felony charge of aggravated criminal trespass and misdemeanor charges of domestic violence stalking and domestic violence terrorizing, sheriff’s Lt. David St. Laurent said Wednesday.

A conviction on the felony charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Detective Kenneth Charles began an investigation in early December, after it was reported the woman was being stalked.

The woman had told Giustra in November to leave her alone, St. Laurent said.

While the investigation was ongoing, the woman reported Tuesday that Giustra was knocking on her door and trying to get into her residence, he said.

Several deputies responded to the scene. Reid saw Giustra on the property and arrested him, he said.

The investigation is ongoing. It was learned that Giustra had previously entered the woman’s residence while she was out, and she found him there when she returned home, he said. 

He had also texted, emailed and called her several times after he was warned not do it, he said.

Giustra was being held on $1,000 cash bail Wednesday morning at the Franklin County Jail in Farmington. He was expected to appear in court for a bail hearing later in the day.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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