SAVANNAH, Ga. - A Georgia judge has transferred the misdemeanour case of a 53-year-old man accused of trying to stalk Miley Cyrus to a court that handles felony cases, indicating prosecutors are looking at stiffer charges.

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, travelled there in June and August looking for 16-year-old Cyrus as she filmed a movie. He faces misdemeanour charges including attempted stalking.

A state court judge transferred the case Wednesday to Superior Court. No new charges have been filed.

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