Former Louisville police officer accused of stalking ex-girlfriend remains jailed on $25K bond

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former Louisville Metro Police officer indicted and arrested last week on multiple charges, accused of stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend, pleaded not guilty in his first court appearance.

Roberto Cedeno, 26, appeared for his arraignment Friday morning on nine charges, including stalking, illegal use of police equipment, tampering with public records and violating an interpersonal protective order.

Cedeno was arrested April 11 for violating an IPO filed March 17 by his ex-girlfriend. In the filing, the victim said she'd been "constantly followed and stalked" by Cedeno on foot, as well as in his personal and police vehicles since she broke up with him three weeks prior. Among other things, the victim said Cedeno sent her alarming messages, routinely drove by her house and took photos of her during her lunch break.

The victim also described a conversation she'd had with Cedeno in which he stated "They can't do anything to me if you do not have an order," writing "this has been going on daily for the past three plus weeks and I cannot go anywhere without being followed."

According to LMPD, a complaint was filed against Cedeno March 12 about "concerning behavior," prompting an investigation by the department's Public Integrity Unit. LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey had already begun the termination process for Cedeno, but the officer resigned April 8 before either could be completed.

The day of his resignation, Cedeno went to a bar in Louisville's Shelby Park neighborhood after his ex-girlfriend posted a photo on social media, according to his arrest citation. After making eye contact with Cedeno, the victim left the bar but remained in the area, according to police.

Cedeno's arrest warrant states he stayed at the bar for about two hours. He was captured on surveillance video walking around the bar and moving his vehicle to multiple locations within 500 feet of the building. Police said when the victim left the area, she drove past Cedeno's vehicle, and he began following her.

The victim filed a police report following the incident, and Cedeno was arrested April 11 for violating the IPO. But he was released on his own recognizance the next day, according to court documents.

Days later, on April 16, a grand jury indicted Cedeno on nine felony charges, including: Unlawful access to computer; Stalking; Tampering with public records; Violation of IPO; Misapplication of entrusted property; Falsely reporting an incident; Official misconduct; Harassing communications; Harassment.

Cedeno "surrendered peacefully" and was arrested on the new charges around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, LMPD said. His attorney declined to comment on the indictment.

The former officer's bail was set at $25,000 full cash. If Cedeno bonds out, he will be put on home incarceration with an ankle monitor. As of Monday evening, he was still listed as an inmate at Metro Corrections. Cedeno's next court appearance is scheduled for May.

Cedeno was in the news in 2023 when he shot and killed a man in the Clifton neighborhood. LMPD said James Monti, 47, was lying in an alley off Frankfort Avenue when he pointed a gun at Cedeno. Body camera video shows Cedeno fire his gun and hit Monti in the neck. Monti was taken to UofL Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Man shot by police at Louisville apartment often showed odd behavior, neighbors say

Pope Francis | Local leaders react to the passing of the head of Catholic church at 88

TARC hosting public meetings this week to gather feedback on 2025 redesign plans