Philadelphia Man Indicted for Stalking and Nearly Blinding Ex-Girlfriend in Broad Daylight Attack

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Victor Ortiz, 45, of Philadelphia, PA, was arrested and charged by Indictment for stalking and assaulting a woman with whom he had a previous relationship.

According to the Indictment, on the morning of May 4, 2022, the defendant pursued the victim, who is his ex-girlfriend and a federal employee, as she walked to her office in Philadelphia. Before reaching her office, the defendant allegedly threw a caustic substance on victim’s face and torso. His attack temporarily blinded the victim in her left eye and caused severe pain and scarring on her body. Additionally, the defendant attached a GPS device to the victim’s vehicle so that he could monitor her location and stalk her. After law enforcement officials discovered and removed the device, the defendant was caught on camera allegedly attempting to install a second GPS device on the victim’s vehicle in July 2022.

“The charges against Victor Ortiz allege behavior that is dangerous, terrorizing and abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “Everyone deserves to feel safe as they go about their daily lives: at home, while at work, and in transit; and intimate partner violence can sometimes be the most terrifying kind because someone who knows you well can strike any part of your routine. Thank you to our partners with Homeland Security Investigations for their dedicated work on this case.”

“Threats and violence against federal employees will never be tolerated,” said William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Philadelphia office. “HSI Philadelphia is committed to utilizing our investigative expertise, technical capabilities and partnerships to investigate and pursue the prosecution of those who threaten, harm or intimidate government officers or employees.”

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Miller and Angella Middleton.

An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.