Kurt Alfred Chesonis, 67, was charged by Shenandoah Borough Police with first-degree misdemeanor stalking and third-degree misdemeanor harassment.
The charges were filed September 2 before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, the woman went to the Shenandoah Borough Police Station on August 30 to report unwanted communication from Chesonis.
The woman told police that she and Chesonis had become friends, but she only wanted a friendship. After Chesonis allegedly attempted to pursue a relationship beyond that, she ended all communication with him on July 21.
Police said the woman kept a written log detailing dozens of calls she allegedly received over the following weeks. Some came from Chesonis’ number, while others came from restricted numbers she believed he was using. The affidavit states that she did not respond to messages sent by Chesonis between July 21 and August 30.
The woman also reported seeing Chesonis drive through the alley behind her home in a white Jeep on July 22.
On August 24, she allegedly discovered a handwritten note from Chesonis at her residence. According to police, the note included an apology and asked her not to end their friendship.
Four days later, the woman reported that Chesonis slowly drove through the alley, circled the block and returned before stopping near her driveway. When she confronted him, Chesonis allegedly asked whether they were still friends and told her to call him. Police said she repeatedly told him no.
The affidavit states that Chesonis later sent the woman seven text messages and called her several times that evening. Another call was allegedly made the following night.
While speaking with police, the woman reportedly began shaking and said she feared for her safety and was concerned that the situation could escalate.
Police contacted Chesonis by phone on August 30 and asked him to come to the police station. According to the affidavit, Chesonis later told police that he forgot to appear.
During another conversation on August 31, Chesonis allegedly confirmed that the phone number documented by the woman belonged to him. Police said he also acknowledged leaving the handwritten note and speaking with the woman near the alley on August 28.
Court records show that bail was set at $10,000 unsecured.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 1 at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Kilker.