Hyde Park man convicted for stalking local church leader
Dutchess County jury convicts man in stalking of church leader in Hyde Park.
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A Dutchess County jury has convicted a Hyde Park man of stalking the leader of a local church after prosecutors said his actions caused the victim to fear for her life.
Prosecutors said 32‑year‑old Jacob Bender sent threatening emails to the rector of St. James Episcopal Church.
According to the district attorney’s office, the messages included statements opposing the church’s acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
Prosecutors said the rector took the threats seriously and feared for her safety.
Bender was also found to have violated an order of protection by walking past the woman’s home.
The jury returned a guilty verdict following testimony detailing the pattern of conduct.
Bender is scheduled to be sentenced in May.
