Harassment

[Marina]

http://www3.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO91846/

Mass. pair accused of harassing neighbors


LAWRENCE, Mass. -- A husband and wife are charged with harassing their Andover neighbors with disturbing pranks that went as far as identity theft and a false child abuse report.

A prosecutor said at their arraignment Friday in Lawrence District Court that the actions of Bill and Gail Johnson were part of a land dispute. The Johnsons pleaded not guilty to charges of identity fraud, harassment, conspiracy and making a frivolous child abuse report.

Prosecutors say the alleged victims got e-mails indicating their personal information had been stolen, and someone tried to open a bank account using the information. The alleged pranks included signing the victims up for a nudist group and placing fake online sale ads that led to late-night phone calls at their home.

Bill Johnson's attorney said another man already charged in the case did much of the computer harassment.