A Maricopa man was charged Tuesday with aggravated harassment for allegedly violating an order of protection.

In September, Matthew Steinfeld was prohibited to have any contact with his ex-girlfriend outside specific hours on Fridays, according to police. In serving and explaining the conditions of the order, officers told Steinfeld that if he contacted the victim outside of the specified hours, he would be committing a crime, police said.

On Oct. 6, a Tuesday, Steinfeld allegedly contacted his ex-girlfriend via multiple emails and phone calls, refusing to bring their children back to her. He tried to negotiate keeping the kids one more day. When Steinfeld returned the children that day to the Rancho El Dorado home, he was met by officers who arrested him.

Police also reported three additional pending cases for violations of a previous protection order.

Steinfeld was released and issued a citation.

If convicted, he could face up to one year in jail, or two-and-a-half years in prison, according to Arizona statute.

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