Dover Man Sentenced to 95 Years in Stalking Case

State of DE - A Dover man received a nearly century-long prison term following a 2024 stalking case. On February 4, Fred T. Caldwell, 49, was sentenced to 95 years in prison. This sentencing follows his conviction by a Superior Court jury.

The charges included Stalking, Breach of Release, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, and Noncompliance. He was also convicted on 15 counts of Breach of Conditions During Commitments.

Attorney General Kathy Jennings addressed the impact of the crime. "The Defendant's malicious, calculated, and horrifying acts placed his victim in a living nightmare and are a reminder of the fear that domestic violence survivors live with," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "Our trial team, from prosecutors to police to social workers, did tremendous work in securing this sentence. I am grateful for them every day."

The sequence of events began early on April 1, 2024. A Dover woman was staying at a friend's home when Caldwell arrived. He attempted to speak with her, but she refused. Caldwell then tried to force entry into the residence. After failing to enter, he fired gunshots near the home and drove away.

Months later, on August 13, Caldwell approached the victim and her boyfriend at her home. He confronted the boyfriend before leaving the premises. The following day, Caldwell utilized a tracking device he had placed on the victim's car. He followed the couple to a self-storage site in Dover. Once there, he covered his face with a ski mask and fired a weapon at them before fleeing.

Authorities arrested Caldwell on August 15. Following his arrest, he violated court orders by making numerous attempts to contact the victim from prison. The length of the sentence was influenced by Caldwell's status as a habitual offender, which added 20 years of incarceration.

Additionally, he received the maximum five-year penalty for each of the 15 charges related to breaching commitment conditions.