Man gets probation for harassing his ex-wife
An Ellwood City man was sentenced to probation after being charged with harassing a woman in Adams Township in November.
Curtis G. Hand, 49, was ordered to complete 1½ years of probation by Butler County Judge William Shaffer. He was also ordered to pay court costs, complete a mental health evaluation and treatment and 35 hours of community service.
Shaffer also ordered that Hand have no contact with the victim except for child custody arrangements, and his supervision could be transferred to Lawrence County where he resides.
Hand pleaded guilty April 2 to two misdemeanor counts of harassment.
Police said a woman reported that Hand, her ex-husband since 2011, had sent her several text messages between 1 and 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 30, stating that he was outside her home. She reported that the stalking began about two weeks prior, when Hand drove to her workplace, which is a school.
On Nov. 18, Hand sent messages saying she should look outside her window, and in the following days sent many messages including a photo of her parents' home.
The woman reported that she previously had protection from abuse orders over the years, but that had expired. She reported talking with another of Hand's ex-wives, who also reported getting similar messages.
