A man has been charged with allegedly stalking a woman who rebuffed his advances.
Advertisements
The woman told a Falls Township police detective that 64-year-old Michael Margerum, of Falls Township, had been making unwelcome advances and had escalated his behavior since her husband’s death a few months ago, according to court papers.
Per the woman’s account, Margerum expressed a desire to be in a relationship and did not relent even after being turned down.
Falls Township police were called on Dec. 30, to a home in Middletown Township’s Levittown, where she was staying with a friend due to fear for her safety.
Advertisements
The woman’s friend discovered a small magnetic GPS tracker hidden under her car, police said.
In one alleged encounter on Nov. 29, while the woman was dining at an Italian restaurant in Falls Township with her brother, who was visiting from out-of-state, Margerum reportedly arrived and said to the woman: “Nice! Real nice! That didn’t take very long!”
After being confronted via text about his presence at the restaurant, Margerum, who is a former employee of the Falls Township Fire Marshal’s Office, responded with an apology but justified his presence by claiming he was getting gas nearby.
Advertisements
“U didn’t answer the previous 6 texts,” he allegedly wrote. “I get it. Crazy Mike. You made me this way by pushing me away.”
Further investigation by a detective led to the execution of a search warrant on the company that sold the GPS tracker. Records from the device confirmed it was linked to Margerum and had been placed on the woman’s vehicle in early December, police said.
The woman and Margerum had been in a relationship years ago and Margerum allegedly told the woman he made secret recordings of their encounters. He threatened to send copies to people they know, according to authorities.
Advertisements
Police said Margerum sent a photo of tapes to the woman.
The woman told a detective the alleged incidents had put her under great stress and she had a panic attack recently. She mentioned that she was afraid to stay at her Falls Township home alone due to Margerum.
Margerum was charged late last week with two counts each of stalking and harassment. He was preliminarily arraigned before District Judge John Galloway and freed after posting 10 percent of $50,000 bail.
Advertisements
Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
Advertisement
12 Days of Canna Cheer
Canna Remedies: Your Go-To Accessible and Convenient Dispensary
Advertisements
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
