LEDYARD – A Groton man was charged Tuesday after violating a protective order, police said.

According to the Ledyard Police Department, Michael Gardner, 37, of 112 Shennecossett Parkway, contacted via email an individual who had a protective order issued against him. Gardner was located at his home by Ledyard police and was taken into custody, police said.

Police said he is charged with violating a protective order and appeared in New London Superior Court on Wednesday.