Quote Quoting Publius Syrus
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I have been "stalked" by a competitor in my industry for well over a year now. Lots of innuendo through various channels about harm coming to me, comments about my family etc. and at least one incident of verbal harassment. Pictures of me photoshopped into various compromising positions, or made to look like I was beaten and bruised. Bottom line, I have felt threatened, feel threatened by this individual. There is more than enough evidence to substantiate this.

Recently, the individual came within very close proximity to me at a business event. He had a camera with him and at one point when my back was turned he began surreptitiously taking pictures of me - from the angle of the camera, they would have been of my butt.
Have you sought a restraining order against this person? If not, why not?

Have you notified the police of any repeatedly harassing calls or e-mails? If not, why not?

Using the tips of my fingers, I gently pushed him away to created some distance. This was a defensive move.
Actually, in California, this could be considered battery - a misdemeanor criminal offense.

While the contact was brief, gentle and caused no physical harm nor any damage to the camera (other than a finger on the lens), it was contact.
And potentially, criminal.

I am concerned as now this individual has sent emails threatening unspecific legal action, citing physical assault and damage of property. The individual has also posted such claims on public newsgroups. It is obvious that he intends to embellish the incident and use it to tarnish my name and/or get a settlement of some sort should the matter become a civil one.
All the more reason to seek a restraining order. It won't stop him from posting to public boards, but it could stop him from e-mailing you or calling.

Please do not insult my intelligence by telling me to get a lawyer. I will when the time is appropriate.
Just when will that be? When you are charged with a crime?

Until that time I am looking to get some opinions on what the possibilities are as far as courses of action this individual might take and what I should do to protect myself, ie: I consider this individual's actions as threatening in nature.
The actions might be annoying and harassing, but they are not necessarily threatening. Actions this person could take could include reporting your attack to the police ... it wouldn't go very far, but it is technically a crime.

Should I file an assault complaint with the authorities?
But ... YOU did the assaulting! When did this person assault you?

You MIGHT have a case for stalking or harassing electronic communication, so it might behoove you to speak to the police and provide them with proof of this ongoing contact and why it makes you fearful.

I am not a US resident, but travel to the US frequently.
That could make any prosecution very difficult ... especially if the e-mails and such were sent to you while you were outside the jurisdiction as such would not be a crime here.


- Carl