by MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. – A Montgomery County man has been sentenced to jail after prosecutors said he carried out a relentless campaign of stalking against a woman he met on an online dating site, leaving her so terrified that she moved out of her own home.
The Case Against Matthew John Bustin
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced that Matthew John Bustin, 34, of King of Prussia, has been sentenced to nine to 23 months in county jail. His conviction stems from a disturbing series of stalking incidents that included placing a GPS tracker on the woman’s car, cutting off her power and internet, and breaking into her apartment to play what prosecutors described as a “sick psychological game.”
According to prosecutors, Bustin’s actions escalated quickly after he first met the victim online. Investigators later discovered that he had been searching her name online even before initiating contact on the dating site, showing a pattern of obsession from the very beginning.
Victim’s Harrowing Experience
The victim’s ordeal began when she returned from vacation on April 16, 2024, to find her apartment in darkness, with electricity cut off, internet disconnected, and her security camera moved to face the wall.
“I truly believed there was someone in my apartment with me,” the victim said in a statement released by prosecutors. Armed with a kitchen knife, she called a friend for help, living in constant fear of who might have been inside her home.
The woman later discovered a note tucked among her pillows, confirming her worst fears that someone had invaded her private space. She described it as part of a twisted psychological game designed to terrorize her.
Forced to Move Out in Fear
The fear was so intense that within two days of filing a police report, the woman packed up and moved out of her apartment. She continued to sleep with a knife next to her bed for protection.
Prosecutors said the ordeal also took a toll on her family. Her parents temporarily housed her but were also gripped with fear and uncertainty. Her mother took time off work to help her move and accompany her to court. The family even brought her car to a mechanic to check for surveillance devices, only to find that Bustin had indeed planted a magnetized GPS tracker under her vehicle.
Disturbing Evidence of Stalking
The Bensalem Township Police Department obtained surveillance footage showing Bustin lying on the ground to attach the GPS device while the victim’s car was parked at her workplace.
Phone data later placed him at her home and workplace on at least nine occasions after their relationship ended. Notably, records showed he was at her residence at the exact time her power and internet were cut.
Investigators also revealed that Bustin had already faced a similar stalking charge in Lehigh County weeks after beginning his short-lived connection with the victim, further highlighting a pattern of disturbing behavior.
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Sentencing and Conditions
According to NBC Philadelphia, During sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Brittney Kern presented a detailed timeline of Bustin’s actions, underscoring how quickly the relationship spiraled into fear and harassment.
Bustin was ordered to:
- Serve 9–23 months in county jail.
- Complete a substance abuse recovery program before being eligible for parole.
- Avoid all contact with the victim.
- Stay away from all social media platforms.
- Pay $1,334.60 in restitution.
- Comply with mental health and drug/alcohol treatment requirements.
A Community Reminder
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that can arise from online dating interactions. Authorities stressed the importance of recognizing red flags early and seeking help immediately if unwanted contact escalates.
The victim, who endured months of emotional trauma, said the stalking continues to affect her life and relationships. Prosecutors praised her courage in coming forward, noting that her testimony was key in securing justice.
Final Thoughts
While Bustin’s sentence brings some closure, the case highlights the lasting psychological and financial impact of stalking crimes on victims and their families. Officials encourage anyone experiencing similar behavior to report it immediately and seek support from local resources.
Do you think Pennsylvania needs tougher penalties for stalking crimes to better protect victims? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
