Bemidji: Neighbor Reports Break-In, Stalking Charges

Bemidji, Becker County (trfnews.i234.me)

A Bemidji man is facing felony stalking and burglary charges after deputies say he broke into a neighbor’s home while she was out of town.

Nathan Christopher Crouch, 42, is charged with felony stalking with a pattern of conduct.

He is also charged with second-degree burglary of a dwelling.

He also faces a misdemeanor count for violating an order for protection.

The charges are listed in an amended criminal complaint filed Tuesday in Becker County District Court.

Neighbor reports suspicious activity

According to the complaint, a neighbor called authorities at about 11:44 p.m. on Dec. 26.

The call reported suspicious activity at a home in Becker County.

The neighbor said Crouch asked to park in his driveway.

The neighbor said Crouch was “not acting normal,” according to the complaint.

The neighbor said he saw Crouch outside the house with a flashlight.

He then saw a flashlight moving inside the home, the complaint says.

The neighbor said Crouch ran to his vehicle and left fast.

The neighbor said it looked like he “had done something bad,” the complaint states.

Deputies reported fresh footprints in the snow behind the house.

The tracks led to a basement window, according to the complaint.

Authorities said the window screen looked tampered with.

The homeowner was out of town, the complaint says.

She told deputies no one should have been inside her home.

Court records show an order for protection was issued on Sept. 16.

Records say it was served on Crouch on Oct. 15.

The order barred contact with the victim and barred him from her home.

Prosecutors say Crouch violated that order several times.

They say those contacts formed a stalking pattern between October and December.

On Oct. 8, the victim reported a video and many texts, the complaint says.

The complaint says the video threatened self-harm.

On Oct. 18, she reported more text messages, according to the filing.

Records say he was cited in that earlier case.

Crouch is also charged with another violation on Dec. 29.

The complaint says the homeowner received a text at 4:52 a.m. on Dec. 27.

Each felony count carries up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

The misdemeanor count carries up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Crouch remains in custody, according to the complaint.

His first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday in Becker County.

Charges are allegations until proven in court.