Gainesville Police Arrested Man on Stalking Charges
Authorities apprehended 23-year-old Matthew A. Billeyh following multiple reports of retail-based incidents.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Crime — General
Gainesville police have arrested 23-year-old Matthew A. Billeyh on charges of stalking and simple battery. The arrest follows reports that Billeyh followed and touched women at a local Target store.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights ongoing security efforts by local retailers to protect patrons from unwanted physical contact and harassment. Officials are continuing to review evidence to determine if additional incidents occurred.
Judge Luis Bustamante set bail at $30,000 for the 23-year-old suspect. The Gainesville Police Department is currently processing evidence including surveillance footage and social media imagery.
The players
Matthew A. Billeyh
The 23-year-old suspect faces charges of stalking and simple battery following a police investigation.
Luis Bustamante
He is the judge who presided over the initial proceedings and set the bail amount for the suspect.
Gainesville Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating the reports and executing the arrest.
The details
Authorities allege that Matthew A. Billeyh followed and touched victims at a Target store on two separate occasions in January and August. Surveillance video and social media documentation were utilized by investigators to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Timeline
January 12, 2026: A victim reported being followed and touched at a Target store.
August 13, 2026: An employee reported that Billeyh followed and touched a woman.
August 18, 2026: Photos of the suspect appeared on social media.
September 20, 2026: Gainesville police arrested Matthew A. Billeyh.
Legal Context
This case reflects the application of the Florida statutes governing stalking and simple battery, which establishes the legal threshold for the charges filed against Billeyh. Local prosecutors frequently rely on these specific penal codes when pursuing cases involving unwanted physical contact in public spaces.
Residents and shoppers in the area are encouraged to report any suspicious activity witnessed at retail locations to local authorities. The arrest may lead to increased vigilance or additional security assessments by store management at the site of the incidents.
The takeaway
Public safety in retail environments often depends on the swift reporting of suspicious behavior by both employees and victims. Those who feel unsafe while shopping should notify store security or contact local police immediately.
Further reading
For more information on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Gainesville Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Alachua Chronicle.
