Stalking case in Wagoner County highlights hidden dangers of domestic violence

Domestic violence advocates say a recent stalking arrest in Wagoner County underscores just how serious and dangerous these situations can become.

Wagoner County Man Accused of Extreme Surveillance and Threats

Wesley Hamilton was arrested by the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office and is accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend. According to court documents, Hamilton used a hidden GPS tracker and eight mobile apps to monitor her movements, sent her hundreds of threatening messages, cloned her phone, and even threatened men she had dated.

Investigators Say Behavior Escalated Over Time

Deputy Jake Carey with the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office says the stalking may have gone on for years but intensified recently.

“The stalking has probably been occurring for several years, but it ramped up really significantly in the past couple months,” Carey said.

The Mental Toll on Victims

Rose Turner with Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) says stalkers often try to isolate victims from their support systems through unwanted contact, tracking, and intimidation. The psychological impact can be severe.

“It can lead to anxiety, PTSD, and lasting emotional harm,” Turner said.

Stalking Is Common—and Dangerous

DVIS reports that stalking and harassment are part of a large number of the domestic violence cases they handle. Turner says:

“There really is a high percentage of the cases that involve some type of stalking and harassment.”

In fact, 73% of clients who completed danger assessments at DVIS reported experiencing stalking behaviors.

Escalation Can Turn Deadly

Turner warns that stalking is not only disturbing—it can become deadly.

“It could easily escalate to a really harmful situation, even resulting in death,” Turner said.

Help for Victims Is Available

DVIS provides a range of services for victims, including help filing protective orders, court accompaniment, and customized safety plans. Deputy Carey says stalking and harassment often share similar legal elements, but fear is what elevates a situation to stalking under Oklahoma law.

“The moment fear is introduced, it becomes stalking,” Carey said.

Defense Response

The attorney representing Wesley Hamilton claims the case is being overblown. He says once the evidence is presented in court, it will show Hamilton did not commit the crimes he's accused of.

24-Hour Support Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or domestic violence, help is available. DVIS operates a 24-hour crisis line at 918-743-5763.