Man Charged with Stalking, Theft After Violating Protection Order

State police charged 39 year old Edward Lee Mackert III of Mt. Pleasant Mills in Kelly Township on December 5, 2025 after alleging he violated a protection from abuse order and committed additional offenses. The criminal complaint filed with a magisterial district court lists a felony stalking charge, a misdemeanor theft from a motor vehicle charge, and a summary count for theft of mail. The case was presented at a magisterial district proceeding on December 5, where the charges were formally filed.

The combination of alleged stalking and property related theft raises immediate concerns for the safety and privacy of individuals served by the protection from abuse order. Stalking prosecutions often involve repeated unwanted contact that can undermine a survivor's sense of security, and theft of mail can interrupt access to critical services, benefits, medication and identification. For families and neighbors in Union County, the case underscores how violations of court protections can cascade into broader harms that affect daily life and well being.

Beyond the individual charges, the incident points to systemic issues in community safety and support for victims. Enforcement of protection orders depends on prompt reporting, careful policing, and follow through in the courts. When alleged violations involve theft from vehicles and mail theft, they also expose gaps in property security and the integrity of postal service protections that disproportionately affect those with limited resources to replace lost documents or access emergency funds.

Local law enforcement and judicial responses will determine whether the charges proceed to trial and whether protective measures for the alleged victim are strengthened. For neighbors and community leaders the case is a reminder to take protection orders seriously, to report suspected violations, and to coordinate with victim services when privacy or mail security is threatened. As the matter moves through the court system, Union County residents will be watching for outcomes that speak to accountability, public safety, and the effectiveness of supports for people facing abuse and harassment.