A police officer in Orange County has been put on leave after he was arrested for allegedly stalking his ex-girlfriend and making repeated unwanted contact for weeks. 

State police say off-duty Montgomery police officer Kenneth Memmelaar followed his alleged victim and startled her from behind after waiting in the ShopRite plaza parking lot in Chester for more than 15 minutes. 

News 12 obtained a copy of the criminal complaint that alleges Memmelaar’s ex was bending over to put food items in her trunk Sept. 5 when she was allegedly approached by the 53-year-old officer who was trying to give her a paper bag he had in his hand. 

The victim is quoted in the complaint saying, “I heard a male voice behind me. It sounded close, and when I turned around, I saw it was Kenneth Memmelaar in his white Jeep.” 

State police say Memmelaar is seen on surveillance video waiting for her until she finished shopping at three stores in the plaza – even though the officer was previously warned by police not to make contact. 

Fearless Director Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier says stalking is a form of domestic violence that should not be taken lightly. 

“Stalking is often trivialized by the general public and media, yet it is a very real, frightening tactic of control many abusers use, “ said Kostyal-Larrier. “Research has shown that 76% of women murdered by their intimate partner were stalked prior to being murdered.” 

Court records indicate Memmelaar’s ex first filed a complaint with state police in August after the two broke up and he allegedly drove by her house and sent unwanted texts and emails. 

Mongtomery police wrote a statement on Facebook saying, “Once we were made aware of Mr. Memmelaar’s arrest he was placed on leave pending an investigation, and stripped of his department issued badge, ID and firearm.” 

Memmelaar is charged with misdemeanor stalking. 

He told News 12 by phone Wednesday that the allegations are false and that the charge will be dropped. 

A restraining order was issued on behalf of the alleged victim, who said in court documents that the incidents caused her emotional distress. 

Memmelaar is due back in court Sept. 27.