Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance Chief William Johnson waived his scheduled arraignment Tuesday in 8th Circuit Court on two charges of stalking.
According to court documents, Johnson faces two counts of stalking stemming from a single alleged incident that the complainant told police was part of a broader pattern of behavior.
Johnson’s attorney, Marc Hathaway of Wells, Beausoleil and Hathaway of Keene, filed a plea of not guilty and a waiver of arraignment on Dec. 22, one day before Johnson was scheduled to appear in court.
The charges allege that Johnson “knowingly engaged in a course of conduct targeted” at the alleged victim “which would cause a reasonable person to fear for his personal safety” by following him. A second charge alleges that Johnson appeared in close proximity to the same individual’s home, according to complaints filed by the Jaffrey Police Department.
In an affidavit filed with the court, Sgt. Thomas Bishop stated that the alleged victim first contacted police on Oct. 21 to report that Johnson had followed or harassed him on multiple occasions. The man told police that he did not know Johnson and had never spoken with him, but was dating someone who had previously been involved with Johnson.
At that time, the man discussed his options with police and initially chose to wait to see whether the behavior would stop. He returned to police on Nov. 18, reporting that the behavior had continued and that he wished to pursue charges.
Although the complaints reference a single incident on Nov. 18, the alleged victim reported at least three encounters in which Johnson allegedly followed his vehicle, drove past his home, or drove by him in public parking lots.
The alleged victim also sought a temporary restraining order against Johnson, which was granted on Nov. 19.
A hearing was held Dec. 8 to determine whether the restraining order should remain in effect. Judge Joseph Tessier ruled that the evidence did not meet the legal definition of stalking under RSA 633:3-a and dismissed the restraining order.
The plaintiff has 30 days from the ruling to appeal the decision.