A 37-year-old Salem man has been charged in Marion County Court with stalking a 16-year-old girl at her place of employment.
Dustin Ferrell of West Warmoth is charged with entering the juvenile’s place of employment and staring at her from August 28th through September 11th.
The juvenile, who is familiar with Ferrell, said he initially just said hi when purchasing items, but then began coming into the store without buying anything, sometimes sit, watch, and staring at her. She said it has gotten to the point that she is constantly paranoid and doesn’t feel safe at work because of the way he looks at her.
The incidents occurred at a time Ferrell has been put on pre-trial release for aggravated battery to a nurse.
During his first appearance on the charge Monday, Judge Mark Stedelin ordered Ferrell detained without bond on the stalking charge. The judge said he had no belief Ferrell would comply with court orders based on recent behavior and detention without bond is needed for the safety of the victim.
Ferrell is due back in court on October first for a pretrial hearing. A public defender has been appointed to represent him.
