Milwaukee criminal defense attorney charged with stalking, battering woman

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A criminal defense attorney in the city of Milwaukee is accused of stalking a woman for years, beating her and using his position in a law firm to threaten and intimidate her.  

Matthew Meyer, 34, has been charged with the following: 

• Substantial battery 
• Threatening to communicate derogatory information
• Felony intimidation of a victim
• Stalking 

Court records show the victim called police several times during a three-year on and off relationship with Meyer, starting in October of 2017.  

A criminal complaint notes the victim made reports to police on Oct. 31, 2017, April 14, 2018, March 2, 2019, June 23, Aug. 23, and Oct. 4. In each incident, the woman reported feeling victimized by Meyer. 

The complaint says the victim tried to break up with Meyer on more than one occasion, but each time he would attempt to intimidate the her, threatening to use criminal defendants to harm her family and use PI resources to follow her. Meyer reportedly sent a text to the victim that said, "You don't get it. Criminals owe me favors. People who are exceptionally dangerous. And good at it." He also reportedly insinuated to the victim that because of his position as a criminal defense attorney, he would be protected from any legal consequences.

On April 14, 2018, court records show the victim had to take two weeks off work because Meyer punched her in the face and gave her a concussion. 

Since then, Meyer allegedly called the victim incessantly, sometimes over 120 times per day, and sent hundreds of emails threatening to release negative information about her if she didn't meet certain financial and sexual demands.

Court documents show Meyer would text the victim threatening statements, including: 

• You think you're protected? Nah 
• I will ruin every future relationship you have. A PI is cheap
• If you'd like things to start happening to your car -- this PI was cheap for a reason 

According to the criminal complaint, the victim woke up to a series of text messages from Meyer on Oct. 3, indicating that there was damage done to her vehicle. Investigators say the victim's car had a flat tire and dents to her passenger side that she believed were caused by Meyer. 

The victim also received an email from Meyer that said, "What's wrong with your car, you can't see. I'd suggest you talk to me before driving it."

Carmen Pitre, the president and CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center, which helps domestic abuse victims, says it can be especially difficult ending a cycle of violence when an abuser has power or influence. 

"It would take a tremendous toll on your sense of self, your self-esteem, your belief in what's possible for your life," Pitre said.

Pitre often advises survivors to hold on to emails and texts, as police say the victim in this case did, because it can become evidence.