New Neighbor, Lots Of Trouble

[Tired of this]

I recently had a new neighbor move in. He claims to have PTSD. He's been open that he has it and to a point he's bragged it up. I've had employees that have been return vets that suffer and we've learned how to try and help and also to deal with them. This guy is totally different. Shortly after he moved in we started getting frequent visits from the sheriff's department. Long story short he's tried to set me up and cause a lot of trouble. A few months ago he filled a stalking injunction against my wife and I. He claims by us waving Hi and being nice we were stalking him. We ended up countering and getting a restraining order against him. He then went out and sent a letter to nine communities around where we live claiming I had raped a 17 year old girl. The sheriff's department has stepped back and doesn't think they need to get involved. They tell me to be patient. Not to long ago a buddy of his stopped looking for him. He was nice and as we talked he could tell I have reservations about his friend. He indicated that there was a history to our neighbor. He said that he will tell you he had been deployed but that he was never in active duty. He laughed when I told him the guy claims to have PTSD. He said after 20 years in the military no one will question it. Our neighbor shows all the signs of having. Has anyone had experience's dealing with people that think they've been deployed it in combat. As I stated before, I have had employees and we've learned how to deal with them but this guy is of the wall.

 

[Stickler]

...no idea.
If he has PTSD it's not quite as apparent as his malignant sociopathic behavior.
...Regarding the letter? You might want to speak to an attorney regarding a libel suit... Of course, that might escalate the situation...Or drive him away, which would be the point.

In other words?
...I'd try to find a way to encourage this nasty little fabricator to go be someone else's problem.

Barring that, if he really gets off the hook, YOU may want to move.
...He's a threat.

 

[The Albatross]

It seems to me, he upped the ante when he sent a letter to you're surrounding communities claiming you'd raped a 17 year old girl.

If this claim is entirely false, it can be lible/slander (verbal or written) and is defamation of character. The letter and any subsequent law enforcement report could be the basis of a lawsuit for libel or slander. As this is a guest post, if you are in the states, laws vary but if I was blameless and had proof I would consult an attorney and give this guy a consequence. PTSD or no, any other mental illness/debility or no... this is unacceptable plain and simple. So personally, I'd be compiling documentation, witnesses, a time line, etc. and clearing myself in court once and for all.

"False accusations are considered to be a defamation of character when a person publishes false statements that damage the reputation, integrity and character of a person. The target of the false accusations can go to court and collect damages."

links get removed here but google "ask.com what are lawsuits for false accusations".

 

[Chava]

This is beyond your regular PTSD. I actually knew someone with some of these really terrible behaviors once. I have little doubt there was some early trauma, but likely it created more issues along the lines of personality disorder (and probably a list of other mental illnesses mixed in). Document everything. And if you can, move out. The stress will not be worth it long term, even if it seems really unfair to relocate. Consider that as an option if it looks like this guy is here to stay, because it is not likely he will change. If you are lucky he will simply find someone else to target.

 

[VioletButterfly]

I totally agree with The Albatross! Having worked with abused children and women, allegations like this are taken seriously by law enforcement, at least in my state. I can't believe they told you to back off and be patient. I'd check in again and if they hold the same stance, I'd consult an attorney. There needs to be a retraction and a consequence for this guy. He does sound like a sociopath though, so do be careful. Restraining orders are just that - orders; they aren't officers on sight watching over you. I hope the best for a good outcome and for some peace for your family. VB

 

[Deleted member 28740]

Ha, this is right up my alley. I do have CPTSD. A neighbor claimed to have PTSD. I moved here to be in a very quiet place. It has not been. The evil one is the name I use for the violent criminal. Other than walking my dog every day, having to go past that house to leave and return. Helped and she messed with me having me violently attacked by two of her "sisters." Turns out when using a PI to decide what to do about assault and theft (suffered L1-5 damage with disc issues, and right arm badly harmed as I was dragged 70 feet and then thrown on the road, phone stolen while trying to call 911). PI said she has a violent criminal past and these were 'sisters of her various jail term cells. PI wanted to go after this and get a restraining order etc. prior to finding the past of these people. PI advise move. All three were 1 violation away from a life term. Her pals and others would take care of me down the road. So, advise was to leave it alone.

About her PTSD. Don't believe it. She gets 4-5 Zanax a day and sells them. Plus other meds.

BTW, the police who responded to my assault bought her claim that I was harassing her, and why I was laying on the ground after screaming and other neighbors called 911, I was acting crazy and highly intoxicated. This was 1/2 hour after returning home from working all day as a volunteer working at a food bank and their thrift store. She owned me money and had bounced a check, big deal as I am on subsistence living. First time in weeks that she was outside of her property to confront. So, so much for the cops and a very talented con.

Since she moved. Yet is back again staying with my next door neighbor when his wife is away during the week taking care of a new grand daughter. Much more to this saga.

Advice, don't believe in justice, stay out of the line of fire from this con as much as possible. Don't lift a finger in their direction. They have sick violent friends, and the law will not protect you.

 

[KwanYingirl]

I agree with @Changeling avoid them document attacks and move out. Peace of mind trumps the hassle of moving.

 

[The Albatross]

Good point Changeling... running a background check on his ass is not a bad idea. Other than that, I'd be wanting my name cleared.

 

[Guest222]

Thanks everyone, we've well documented everything. In the process of libel action. We're also holding him in contempt for the restraining order. All this takes time. Like employees we've had they usually switch off and back to their normal selves at some point. This guy is going on a year now and just building. Although everything is falling in our favor we still have to live with it. Moving is not a option for us unfortunately.

 

[Friday]

Guy sounds like a major pain in the ass. Hope you're well rid of him soonest.

To know, though, he never had to be in combat (or even in the military) to get PTSD, in fact combatPTSD is one of the rarer causes. Child abuse, child sexual assault, & rape are far more common, sadly, but there are dozens of possible causes. (Or he could just be a false valor motherf*cker, may his dick get stuck in his zipper.) So he could very well have PTSD, but if so, sounds like the least of his problems.

 

[deer_in_headlights]

Please read the paperback book, "The Gift of Fear", by Gavin DeBecker.
His advice is life-saving.
Good luck!:hug:

 

[Ocean5]

Problems could go beyond PTSD. My father has ptsd from war, but he is also either a narcissist, psychopath, or sociopath. Probably one of the last two. None of which has anything to do with the war. Be careful.