This is what keeps me up

My wife is a pediatrician. Together we own her practice

Last year she was a witness in a trial

It got so volatile, that the judge mandated a sheriff's escort for my wife and several of the other witnesses while they were in the presence f one of the parties

Since then thst person has harassed her, and my employees, repeatedly through emails and phone calls

There is ongoing litigation as a result of the original case, and everytime something happens in it, my wife, and various other parties, are subjected to harassing calls and emails.

This person is not all there. Before I went to law school I worked extensively in the criminal community doing various things, including as a profiler on a private team that was contracted to the Georgia DJJ and BOP, and some other agencies on occasion. I include that to show that I have some experience with recognizing people that are unhinged. This person absolutely is.

The problem is they are also smart. They hold a professional job that absolutely requires they appear normal. And they're smart enough to know not to say the magic threatening words that warrant police involvement.

I've had several contacts with the police about this. The story is always the same. Acting erratically and saying things in a menacing tone aren't enough. They have to actually be threatening.

I have added additional security measures to the practice. Different locks and doors. Barriers to keep my people insulated. But you can only do so much. We're a pediatric practice, not Ft Knox

Recently, the frequency increased again, and I learned that a lot of what is happening is coming to a head at a court date in November.

And I'm concerned that when this ruling goes how it inevitably will this person is going to lash out more than verbally

I've gotten more creative legally. By serving a no trespass and a cease and desist contact, I can actually get the police involved through Virginia's stalker statute.

Oh, and did I mention that I can see this person's house from my bedroom window? I have 3 children....the youngest is 6

We have lived in our current home for 11 years. We have a contract on some land we will build on and hopefully be able to move onto in the next 9 months.

I carry. My wife carries. Several of my nurses and staff carry

This just seems like a bad episode of 48 hours or 60 minutes where some talking head is discussing how "the warning signs were all there..."


I'm not looking for pity or advice (although I will of course take any)

It's just 247 in the morning

And this is what keeps me up at night

Sorry to hear that. Was it a medmal case, and your wife was an expert witness?

As for me, I'm just a night owl. Been that way since college.

Kevbo,

That's enough to keep anyone up at night. I'd exercise whatever options were available to put a stop to his calls and emails. But then, I know you probably are. You will be in my thoughts and prayers, brother.

H&K-Guy

Thanks guys...

It wasn't medmal

I'm being intentionally vague because I don't want to run afoul of the various privacy protections and other things I'm bound by.

I will say my wife is a pediatrician, one of the other witnesses that has received similar treatment works for child protective services, another is a psychologist, (all which is a matter of public record) and leave it at that

Well working the night shift, it is usually about 300-400 callers and 80-120 cops combined with a Sheriff who really frowns on sleeping on duty


As for life worries, I am thankfully at a place where I have job security, financial stability (for the most part), kids grown and out of the house, and live in a pretty low crime area.

About the only concern is the health of my wife, family, and dogs.

Life is good, I am blessed.

I hope it works out Kevbo. My wife's health and financial matters keep me up, like now. I'm on the forum quite a bit in the wee hours.

I'm awake because my son is currently going through the Crucible, the final 54 hour event of Marine bootcamp at Parris Island. Just having trouble sleeping comfortably while this is going on.

Mild insomnia, it would seem. Some days good, others not so much.

I won't complain about our German Shepherd whining last night wanting company at midnight, then later. That is compared to what's mentioned above.

Yes, a Son finishing Marine boot camp would keep me up. I'm sure it will be emotional and memorable when you see him at graduation.

quote:

What keeps you up at night....

Not a damn thing...retired and loving it!

Any way to bring pressure via social media against this person?

You said they are a professional. Just a thought.

Also, security cameras are not expensive to add to the mix.

Otherwise it sounds like you are very on top of things.

Northern Virginia has been turning into a toilet for quite a while now. What a wonderful state it used to be.

I am sorry for what you are going through, Kevbo, but with your education and background, I cannot think of anyone better equipped to handle it. I am praying for this to be over soon and for this person to get the justice they deserve.



.

What day,month I decide to push the retirement button, will be 40 years this March with an IT company, I'm to the point I've had enough of it's environment.

How’s your wife holding up? Is she sleeping? Are you allowed to be in contact with the others involved in this case? And if so, perhaps you could pool your info and have someone keeping a log to turn in to the police? I’m sure you probably already are, but just in case you aren’t.
I definitely agree with the cameras, and I wonder if a mounted GoPro or google glass wouldn’t be too much, just for recording purposes. Sometimes words aren’t nearly as threatening as a physical stance or movement.
My work often keeps me up at night, but I’ve certainly not had to deal with this. I hope the situation resolves soon.

Thanks guys

Cameras are already in place

I'm in the process of upgrading the phone system to allow people to record. As it is now, all I can do is show the number of times a call came in for a particular number (the record so far is 11 in under 7 minutes), and then I have any messages left, and the anecdotal statements from anyone who actually has contact.

We have spoken to the party's involved. For whatever reason, my wife seems to be the focus of the majority of the ire, which is ironic because her testimony, although crucial, was no more important than the other professional witnesses called. I can't help but think the proximity has something to do with it. Easy to lash out at what is nearby

Wife is worried too, but handles it differently. We've been married 20 years in March, and I don't know that I've ever seen the woman lose a second of sleep. Elephants could dance on the bed. She also has the advantage of focusing on patient care, whereas this falls squarely in my wheelhouse.

I had some experiences dealing with an alcoholic psychopath (my description) who had actually threatened to kill me. He was older, a loud mouth buffoon for the most part but fairly prosperous and had the time to go around kicking over trash cans, so to speak.

By coincidence, I was representing a psychiatrist during this time, and one day, I asked the shrink about this fellow. Of course, the shrink can’t make a diagnosis without evaluating the subject in person, but he was able to give me some insights into this fellow’s antics and personality issues, very useful.

Maybe this would be something to look into.

It would seem that if the case in which she testified is still ongoing in some respect, the individual should be able to be charged with witness tampering or retaliation. Are Virginia's criminal laws against it not strong enough or defined too narrowly to allow that charge to be filed?

I've only ever slept 3-4 hours a night for as long as I can remember. The only thing that had me worried was a few death threats from a former customer and his brother.

How is your outdoor lighting? When I get apprehensive, I can light up my perimeter like Stalag 12.

I know how you feel Kevbo. I have this one neighbor that has threaten to kill me several times and has destroyed well over $50 to $60K of property or more.

He has poisoned me twice and killed most of the plants and trees in my yard, dry wall screws in the tires, etc. Recently I found a hole in the gas line to the Buick and was lucky it didn't catch on fire.

The liberal police around here are useless. I should have moved out of here 20 years ago.