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	Erickson Accused of Harassing Priest By Elizabeth Hochstedler Chippewa Herald November 5, 2007 http://www.chippewa.com/articles/2007/11/05/news/802x.txt A Chippewa Falls man is facing criminal charges for allegedly harassing a Catholic priest over a two-year period, including recent threats to defame him with false accusations. James E. Erickson, 59, 8811 Highway 178, was charged Friday with threatening to injure or accuse another person of a crime, defamation and stalking. Erickson was taken into custody Thursday. A $100 cash bond was set by Judge Roderick Cameron. According to the criminal complaint: The Rev. Brian J. Jazdzewski, of Notre Dame Catholic church in Chippewa Falls, told officers that he had been receiving threatening letters and voicemails since October 2005 from Erickson. The letters and voice messages have become more frequent and more threatening, Jazdzewski reported. At first the letters stated that the church was staging a conspiracy against Erickson and his wife. Letters received at the end of 2005 said that Erickson had been abused by a priest when Erickson was 10 years old, and he expected $500,000 from the church. Erickson wrote that he expected Jazdzewski to help; and if he didn't help, Erickson could have him "kicked out of the church." On Oct. 24, Erickson was approached by Chippewa Falls Police Officer Mark Hanson, who told him to cease contact with Jazdzewski and the church. Erickson agreed with Hanson. However, Jazdzewski said he received threatening messages on Oct. 26 and 27. Erickson also sent a letter to Candi L. Anderson, Jazdzewski's administrative assistant, warning Anderson to avoid working alone with Jazdzewski. This isn't the first time Erickson has been involved in a harassment complaint. In October 2005, the Chippewa County Department of Human Services obtained a restraining order against Erickson. Erickson had been sending letters to the department allegedly trying to extort money from a nurse and doctor who were working for the department. That restraining order remains effective until Oct. 16, 2008. Erickson will return to court on Nov. 20. His bond is contingent that he has no contact with Jazdzewski, Anderson or the church. Contact: elizabeth.hochstedler@lee.net
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