FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A 46-year-old man accused of stalking his former girlfriend appeared before a judge Friday on multiple charges, including aggravated stalking involving dating violence, according to court records.

Broward County sheriff’s deputies arrested Brian Neilinger earlier this week.

He still had visible cuts and bruises on his face after deputies said he resisted arrest and swung his fists at one of them during a separate incident that led to his detention.

According to an arrest report, Neilinger “willfully, maliciously and repeatedly followed, harassed and made a credible threat” toward his ex-girlfriend, a woman he previously lived with.

Investigators said that on the morning of his arrest, Neilinger sent a series of threatening text messages to the woman, including one stating he would arrive within 20 minutes and break down her door if she did not answer.

Another message threatened violence against her and another person, according to the report.

The woman was with her new boyfriend when Neilinger arrived at her home, authorities said. A brief verbal confrontation occurred before Neilinger left the area.

Detectives reported that Neilinger caused minor property damage and that the woman told deputies he had shown up unannounced at her workplace in the past. She also reported receiving tracking notifications on her phone.

One text message allegedly sent by Neilinger referenced the tracking activity, stating that “the tracker comes in handy,” according to investigators.

The judge also found probable cause on a charge related to installing or using a tracking device without the victim’s consent.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.