Accused stalker arrested in Fort Myers has notebook on following women

An accused serial stalker was caught with a notebook in Fort Myers last week, detailing ways to follow women when they are alone or even with someone else.

The notebook found on James Gadsden, 64, reads in part, “ask, do you mind if we sit down in the car to talk?” It also says, “you may have to follow her until she go to the car.”

WINK News Safety and Security Specialist Rich Kolko said the notebook says a lot about Gadsden.

“The fact that this man kept a notebook, with specific ideas things he wanted to do, how to approach women, it goes beyond just normal stalking,” Kolko said. “I think it makes this man potentially dangerous. It’s a good thing he’s caught.”

A woman said Gadsden followed her and her 11 month old daughter out of a Kohl’s last week. Donna McEvoy saw our report and said Gadsden followed her around a Walmart nearby.

“As I was cashing out and walking out there he was standing by the Walmart greeter, staring at me, kind of chilled me and I wasn’t sure if I should leave the store or not,” McEvoy said. “So I stood there a little frightened.”

In that notebook, authorities found phone numbers belonging to women who said the suspect followed them, too. The victims gave their numbers, saying they were too scared not to give it to Gadsden.

Investigators said they have linked Gadsden to at least four other incidents. They add Gadsden admitted to them that he followed multiple women at the Kohl’s.

McEvoy has one tip for women to stay safe.

“Trust your instinct,” McEvoy said. “If you feel like somethings wrong, then ask for help.”

Kolko said, if someone is following you, make a stand.

“Get in his face, make loud noise and get away from the guy as quick as possible,” Kolko said. “Just being meek is not going to solve your problem.”