Authorities arrested a Sharp County man April 24 after several reports were made to law enforcement about the man’s behavior.
According to the affidavit for warrant of arrest filed April 24 for 61-year-old Jesse Tonkinson, the series of incidents leading to his arrest began in March when victims started noticing a pattern of behavior somewhat out of character for Tonkinson.
The report states the victims, victim 1; victim 2 and victim 3 alleged a “pattern of alleged harassment and threatening behavior by Tonkinson”.
The victims each provided authorities with screenshots of messages sent by electronic means which showed what the report refers to as “repeatedly contacting the victims at various hours of the day and night.”
The content of the messages included the topic of Hardy Police Chief Scott Rose which the victims made known they did not want to discuss.
“Despite these requests, Tonkinson persisted in imitating contact increasingly expressing his views in a manner indicative as aggressive and overbearing. When asked to stop, Tonkinson claims he is trying to ‘isolate’ them from Rose.”
A pattern then continued from March into April, at at various times, included accusations by Tonkinson that the victims had been in contact with Rose.
On April 19, at approximately 2 a.m., one of the victims noticed a vehicle believed to be driven by Tonkinson enter the victims driveway.
This occurred shortly after all three victims had received a text from Tonkinson simply stating “checkmate”.
“The timing and nature of the message were interpreted by the victims as threatening, contributing to their fear,”the affidavit states.
The following day, Tonkinson was observed in his vehicle at a location directly in the line of sight of one of the victims places of employment.
“The victims reported expressing fear, emotional distress, and concern for their personal safety…. They have stated they modified their routines and daily activities in an effort to avoid further contact with Tonkinson,” the affidavit said.
As a result, Tonkinson has been charged with three counts of stalking in the first degree, class B felonies. He is being held in the Sharp County Detention Center. Bond for Tonkinson has not yet been set.
The matter is under investigation, and additional charges may be added.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
