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Jefferson County Man Accused of Harassing, Stalking Woman

PUNXSUTAWNEY BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – Charges have been filed against a Punxsutawney man who is accused of stalking and harassing a woman by phone and social media.

Court documents indicate the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department filed criminal charges against 50-year-old Kevin Lee Pierce Sr..

According to a criminal complaint, a known victim reported that Kevin Lee Pierce Sr. had been harassing her by phone.

The victim told police that Pierce had been texting her, accusing her of being responsible for someone’s death. He also allegedly sent other harassing text messages including vulgar messages, the complaint states.

Police then contacted Pierce and told him to stop texting the victim and to have no further contact with her.

According to the complaint, Pierce responded by saying that he blames the victim for an individual’s death. He reportedly told the officer he needed to “get the facts straight,” and then hung up on the officer.

Police then advised the victim to contact an attorney and to call police again if Pierce continued to harass her.

Police then received a call from Jefferson County 9-1-1 on March 29 advising that the victim wanted to speak to them again. Police found the victim outside the police station on a bench crying hysterically and hyperventilating. She was then brought inside the station to calm down.

According to the complaint, the victim reported Pierce had begun harassing her again, leaving messages on her public social media posts on local groups. He reportedly made posts accusing the victim of theft (which she adamantly denied) and other accusations about her personal life.

Police then contacted Pierce again.

When questioned, Pierce admitted to making the social media posts and said there was “nothing police could do about it” because it was on social media and it wasn’t sent directly to the victim’s phone. He was then told that was not accurate and that charges would be filed, according to the complaint.

Pierce was argumentative with police and ended the call, but he called back a short time later. He was also warned again to have no further contact with the victim other than what is court permitted due to an involved child, the complaint notes.

Pierce was argumentative about the issue again, the complaint indicates.

It was noted that olice provided the victim with information about obtaining a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order.

The following charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock’s office on April 5:

– Stalking – Repeatedly Communicate To Cause Fear, Misdemeanor 1 (13 counts)
– Harassment – Communicate Repeatedly in Another Manner, Misdemeanor 3 (13 counts)

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on June 30, with Judge Mizerock presiding.