Miley Cyrus Stalker Case In Felony Court

A Georgia judge has transferred the misdemeanor case of a 53-year-old man Miley Cyrus to a court that handles felony cases.

Mark McLeod's attorney, James Byrne, said Friday prosecutors are trying to keep his client in jail without evidence that he's dangerous.

Police say McLeod, who lives about three hours from Georgia's Tybee Island, traveled there in June and August looking for 16-year-old Cyrus as she filmed a movie. He faces misdemeanor charges including attempted stalking.

In a , Robert Merriman, a former police detective hired by Walt Disney Pictures to protect Cyrus during filming, told the judge that McLeod planned on returning to the island and "finishing things."

A state court judge transferred the case Wednesday to Superior Court. The move indicates prosecutors are looking at stiffer charges, but no new charges have been filed.

A spokeswoman for Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm declined to comment.