Yesterday we got  a big letter for 25 pages from some crazy guy who thinks that he is God... He lives around here, everybody is afraid of him, they think he is dangerious. So, he found article about our marriage in newspaper (march issue of 2001) and was writing to us this huge letter for all this time until yesterday. He sent it to the Jeff's office, his boss called us and told all about it, because he didn't know our address, but he still knew from newspaper where Jeff works.
We were too busy to read it yesterday, we gave it to read to Jeff's mother before we went out to the restaurant for dinner, we droped Alek for babysit, after she had read it, she said that we should call to police...
This morning, Jeff wanted to read this huge letter (looks like a book) before he calls to police, but he said that he doen't think that he can hurt us, he just wrote to us how many times he was in prison, that nobody wants to listen to him, because he is talking about the God all the time, he thinks he is Jesus...he also wrote something about how much he is surprised about what happend to me and Jeff (I mean how we met).
He went nuts, because his son killed his wife, now this dude in the jail, but his dad is still walking aroud and bothers people.
Jeff thinks that we just have to ignore it, because if we would call to police and tell them all, it would piss him off. I don't want to piss him off either, but I am still kind of scared. I know that police is watching him, but I don't know what to expect...He is crazy!!!!
We also talked about it to Jeff's sister Tash, she says that we should be really careful...
I just don't know what to do. To ignore is the best, I guess, if police is watching him. But still...
This is very weird....

... in response to Weird surprise..., posted by Oksana on Feb 12, 2002

This is one of the risks in "going public" with your opinions.  Sadly you receive abusive and threating comments.

You should report this to the police or newspaper editor concerned. But you should also take counsel as to any further action.  In many cases it can ponly inflame the situtation (Just look at the posts and abuse from Jack)..  Seriously if you draw attention to this issue it could make matters worst.  This is serious in that he has already invaded your personal life by knowin details as to your address and place of work.  In fairness you should write back informing him that he should refraine form contacting you or your husband.  You may wush to wait to determine if this is a once off contact or if he intends to continue.  Chances are he will forget you and your family ad move on but if he does not and further contact is made then you should act immediately and seek advice.

This is one reason why participants to this baord should remain anonymous... and one reason why I would not meet up with Jack.

jj

... in response to Re: Weird surprise..., posted by Rod on Feb 12, 2002

and they told me to just throw the letter in the trash.  They said they get lots of letters from this guy and if there weren't any direct threats made in the letter there is nothing they can do about it.  I am not too concerned about it, if this guy is going to hurt anyone, it would be this minister he is obsessed with.  He says that she is going to have his children and all this other crap.  So far he doesn't seem like he wants to do anything to us, but I am making sure to lock the doors!

... in response to File a court order against him...immedia..., posted by BarryM on Feb 12, 2002

...often push people over the edge, especially in domestic cases. They are often usless, as bad guys and kooks are not obligated to follow the rules.

Even if he violated the order his incarceration would be a few hours at best. He would be released and given a court date and even then he would likely get probation unless he has prior convictions. Its possible that he could be remanded for observation at a medical facility, but this is also not likely to happen. After all, he is out walking the streets with his history now, isn't he?

Take it from someone who spent most of his young adult life in law enforcement, restraining orders are not worth the paper they're written on. 90% of them are violated, its just the folks doing the violating don't get caught very often. If it makes you feel better go ahead and seek one but be advised it may only make things worse. In fact, his one letter is not likely enough to warrant issuing one unless he fails to appear at the order hearing to contest it. If he has had other orders issued against him before it will be easier to get one but he'll likely ignore your's.

Do notify the local cop shop however, so they know about it. They may also tell you to get an order, but thats mainly to cover their butts. The guy may well leave you alone if you just let it lie. Often in cases where the people don't know one another or where the perp is disturbed they will drift away as they often have limited ability to focus.

Protect yourself with some CS or pepper spray if you wish, maybe get a dog and definately evaluate the security your home. Don't try to speak or reason with him, it'll make it worse. And be aware of your surroundings at all times, a habit most people never learn, but should.

lol, if he doesn't respond to all this you can always put a few rounds into him, if and when the time comes.

... in response to Restraining orders..., posted by LP on Feb 12, 2002

Good advice. I agree with everything you said - restraining orders should be last resort. It is best to let things blow over, but to be prepared with high caliber. For home defense I recommed  20 gauge short barrel auto loader with triple ought. Remington makes a really good one and it is only about $200. For many people in an excited and nervous/scared state it is too easy to miss with a handgun even at close distance, so the short barrel shotgun usually makes up for lack of accuracy - plus the muzzle blast is so loud that it alone will repel many intruders.

Think triple ought.

WmGO

... in response to I use...., posted by LP on Feb 12, 2002

Good set up. I'm impressed. That'll quelch the rioters real quick!

... in response to I use...., posted by LP on Feb 12, 2002

n/t

... in response to Re: File a court order against him...imm..., posted by Richard on Feb 12, 2002

You both have good points and perhaps in your areas that may apply. In the Houston area and in my county, the police always advise a restraining order in situations like that. It makes their job easier to arrest the kook if he sitting in a car across the street. Most of the time the kook is not going to appear in court with an attorney to defend himself against the order. You're right in the fact that the nutballs often violate the court orders but the purpose is to get the scumbag locked up or committed to the looney bin. In Texas, it's a felony to violate a protective restraining order and there is usually a jail sentance involved.

-blm