Trainer Chapman Faces Stalking Charge in New York

According to court records, New York-based trainer James K. Chapman faces a B misdemeanor charge of stalking in the fourth degree. Records from the New York State Unified Court system say the trainer, born in 1971, was arraigned May 25 in Nassau First District Court. The next court appearance is scheduled for June 8. Daily Racing Form first reported the arrest and noted that Chapman pleaded not guilty. DRF reports that Chapman is accused of stalking fellow trainer Amira Chichakly. New York law says stalking in the fourth degree carries up to three months in jail and a $500 fine. In New York, stalking in the fourth degree is a crime prohibiting a person from engaging in a course of conduct that negatively impacts another's mental health or puts another person in fear of physical injury, property damage, or loss of employment. Chapman has had 35 starts this season, with a record of 7-4-2 and more than $360,000 in earnings. He has Swept entered in a May 28 maiden race at Belmont Park.