(Kenosha County Sheriff)
KENOSHA, Wis. – A 37-year-old Kenosha man appeared in court Monday on a felony stalking charge after allegedly threatening and harassing his wife, repeatedly contacting her, and secretly tracking her movements with a GPS device.
Samuel B. Erickson was charged with one count of stalking, a Class I felony that carries a maximum penalty of three years and six months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Court Commissioner William Michel II set Erickson’s preliminary hearing for May 23.
According to a criminal complaint filed Monday, Erickson’s wife reported to police that he had been repeatedly calling and texting her, even after being asked to stop. The alleged harassment escalated on May 16 and into the early hours of May 17, when he reportedly threatened to slash her tires, harm her friend and the friend’s dog, and send people to hurt her. She told police she feared for her safety and suffered emotional distress as a result of his behavior.
The woman told officers she discovered a tracking device hidden in her vehicle’s trunk and believed Erickson had used it to monitor her whereabouts without her consent. She said she confronted him, and he admitted placing the device. On a separate occasion, she recalled him unexpectedly showing up at her workplace and later appearing near a restaurant where she had plans to meet friends.
Erickson allegedly sent her a photo of her parked car outside a residence in Pleasant Prairie, then dropped off her clothes next to the car without being invited. He continued to call and text her, even while police were present, according to the complaint.
Officers attempted to question Erickson at his home, but he declined to discuss most of the allegations. He reportedly claimed he had simply driven by and seen her car.
The woman told police she is in the process of filing for divorce and said Erickson is frequently intoxicated. She also reported feeling unsafe leaving her home or going to work due to his alleged stalking behavior.
