Security Firm Owner Jailed for Stalking Seven Women
CLEVELAND, OH – A Cleveland security company owner who exploited his professional access to stalk and harass seven women has been sentenced to over two decades in prison.
Robert Hocevar, 57, was sentenced Tuesday in Cuyahoga County Court to between 22.5 and 26.5 years. He must also register as a Level 1 sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, Hocevar committed the offenses between February 2021 and January 2025. As the owner of a security business, he installed systems at three businesses and two residences in several Ohio cities, including Lakewood, Brecksville, Lyndhurst, Westlake, and Mayfield Heights.
After installing the equipment, Hocevar secretly accessed the security systems without his clients’ knowledge or permission. Prosecutors say he used the footage and system access to stalk seven women, ranging in age from 46 to 56. He also sent them sexually explicit messages, photos, and videos.
In some cases, Hocevar escalated his harassment by leaving sexually explicit objects at the women’s workplaces, intensifying their fear and distress.
“This sexual deviant used his profession to stalk and harass women,” said Prosecutor O’Malley. “He has previously been convicted three times for the same behavior, and he clearly remains a danger to our community.”
Hocevar pleaded guilty in June to multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of burglary
- Three counts of unauthorized use of computer, cable, or telecommunications property
- Three counts of menacing by stalking, including one count with sexual specifications
- Three counts of telecommunications harassment
- One count of possessing criminal tools
The case has raised concerns about privacy and security risks posed by individuals working in sensitive industries like home and business surveillance. O’Malley condemned Hocevar’s actions as an abuse of trust and power.
“Just when you think you’ve heard it all, along comes Robert Hocevar,” O’Malley said. “Clearly, he has not learned from his previous stays in prison. Hopefully, his next prison sentence will teach him a lesson.”
Hocevar’s prior convictions for similar offenses underscore his persistent pattern of predatory behavior. Despite previous prison terms, prosecutors say he continued to exploit his profession to victimize unsuspecting clients.
Investigators have not indicated whether additional victims might exist. Authorities urge anyone who had security systems installed by Hocevar’s company and feels unsafe to contact law enforcement.
The sentencing brings some measure of justice to the victims, though O’Malley acknowledged the lasting trauma they will likely endure.
“This sentence ensures that our community is protected from this predator for a significant period,” O’Malley said.
Hocevar remains in custody as he begins serving his sentence.
