LANCASTER TWP., Pa. — A former WGAL employee is again facing criminal charges after police said he repeatedly harassed and stalked his former co-worker at the television station.
Bernard W. Gutwald, 56, of Lancaster is charged with stalking, harassment and criminal mischief. He was arrested Aug. 13 and taken to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail.
Gutwald is accused of sending harassing emails and tweets to a woman who works at WGAL News. The affidavit states that a 33-year-old unidentified woman filed several complaints with police, saying that Gutwald had been stalking her. Investigators declined to identify the woman.
The woman told police she became concerned with Gutwald’s behavior after he was fired from WGAL on May 13.
Between May 29 and June 11 Gutwald numerous emails to the victim after she asked him to stop contacting her, according to the affidavit.
Court documents reveal Gutwald was charged with harassment by communication and ordered not to contact the woman, including on social media.
Then in July, Gutwald was charged with stalking and criminal mischief. During an interview with police, he admitted to following the woman to various places and damaging her vehicle, according to the criminal complaint. Gutwald admitted using a key to cause $1,736.21 in damage to the victim’s vehicle.
Gutwald told police he felt betrayed by the woman, which is why he sought out revenge, according to court documents.
The woman went to police again in August after she said Gutwald contacted her through Twitter using a fake profile.
Gutwald’s formal arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 25.