A man from Highland is facing serious legal issues after being accused of placing tracking devices on the vehicles of his former wife and ex-girlfriend. The individual, Peter Kochopolous, aged 61, is currently not in custody but is required to post a $5,000 cash bond for each case, amounting to a total of $10,000, once apprehended.
Details from court documents indicate that the police intervened on January 31 after being alerted by a relative of the ex-girlfriend, who reported that Kochopolous had been stalking her. The police stopped him at the intersection of Hart Street and Indianapolis Boulevard. During this encounter, he confessed to placing a tracking device beneath the passenger side of her vehicle. Although informed that he had trespassed, he was initially released.
The ex-girlfriend discovered the tracker when a mechanic found it on January 21, and it was later confirmed that Kochopolous also placed a similar device on his ex-wife’s vehicle. Authorities discovered a second tracker on the ex-girlfriend’s car on January 31. Subsequent investigations, including a subpoena to the tracking company, confirmed Kochopolous’ connection to the devices.
The relationship with his ex-girlfriend reportedly began in the summer of 2024 when they lived as neighbors in Crown Point. Issues became apparent by July when an Apple AirTag labeled “HER” was found under her car. Throughout their relationship, he allegedly monitored her movements and engaged in threatening behavior, which included an incident on October 31 where he allegedly threatened her with acid at a gas station.
In the case with his ex-wife, Highland police responded to a report in May 2024 where she claimed Kochopolous had installed a tracker on her truck. This led to similar legal proceedings against him. She had filed for divorce in November and secured a protection order against him. In total, Kochopolous faces charges of stalking, intimidation, unlawful surveillance, and multiple misdemeanors across both cases.
Impact on Daily Life
The legal troubles surrounding Peter Kochopolous underscore significant issues related to personal privacy and security, especially in relationships that have ended. This situation highlights the increasing concerns over how technology, such as tracking devices, can be misused in personal conflicts, impacting the safety and peace of mind of individuals.
For communities, this case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for technology to be used as a tool for harassment. It underscores the importance of remaining vigilant about such possibilities and ensuring that protective measures and legal frameworks are in place to address such infringements on personal privacy. It also emphasizes the importance of community support and resources for individuals who might find themselves in similar situations, promoting awareness and providing assistance for those affected by stalking and harassment.