For the better part of a year, my family and I have have been under contestant siege from a small group of people who have worked together in a relentless attempt to humiliate, embarrass and inflict emotional stress on us in a clear attempt destroy my professional reputation and to silence my voice. Much of this appears to be related to stories I have written about such as Weinergate, Occupy Wall Street, the media’s handling of the Steubenville rape case and projects I’ve launched like Everybody Blog About Brett Kimberlin Day.
These attacks, however, have gone far beyond the realm of impassioned debate and into the realm of illegal harassment that serves no legitimate legal purpose.
The tactics employed by this small group of people has included releasing our personal information, threats and intimidation, obscene comments about my wife and children, repeated attempts to get me fired, false reports to the police and child protective services and even vulgar conspiracy theories about the death of our daughter Collette last year. These attacks-often hundreds a day-have been both aimed directly at me as well as my employer, work associates, my family and even strangers I spoke to on Twitter or Facebook.
One of the more consistent attackers has been a man named Bill Schmalfeldt in Maryland. Despite being told my the local police that harassment was a crime and despite my repeated requests to stop direct contact with me and to cease his harassment, Mr. Schmalfeldt continued direct communications with me-including numerous private emails-that were intended to alarm and seriously annoy me and family. The attacks by Mr. Schmalfeldt have intensified recently.
As a first step in combatting this assault on my family and career, earlier this week I began criminal proceedings against Mr. Schmalfeldt, some details of which can be found here by doing a search.
Because of the nature of the charges and my position as a writer on national issues, I anticipate the case will gain some degree of exposure. This is criminal matter pending a hearing, so I plan to make little comment about it publicly. Mr. Schmalfeldt, like any defendant, is innocent until proven guilty and should be treated as such.
As far as my work goes, I do not intend to be silenced by this intimidation. I have a lifelong love of the First Amendment. I believe in free speech and vigorous debate. As such, I believe that harassment and intimidation that are in clear violation of existing law actually has a chilling effect on such debate, creating an atmosphere where people are afraid to discuss issues publicly for fear of becoming the victim of unending, vicious personal attacks that are intended to shut people up.
They say that good fences make for good neighbors. In the era of social media, citizen journalism and digital technology that allows people to communicate with the entire world in real time, I believe the issue of how best to define and deal with harassment is a vital one.
I expect the attacks on me and my family by the people who have been attacking will become even more desperate as a result of this legal action. To everyone who watched these attacks for many months now, I want to tell you that your public and private encouragement and kind words has meant a great deal to Lauren and me. I have had a number of supporters who don’t agree with me on issues but who understand when a line has been crossed and have offered words of support.
Thank you.
This is evil. Leftists have been enabled and encouraged by this administration to intimidate, harass and bully, yes, BULLY, those with whom they disagree. Best wishes to you and your family and God bless.
Go get ’em, Lee.
While I may not always agree with things you say and post, on this matter I can completely relate and sympathize. My family and I have been under attack for over a year now. Of course to hear the attackers tell it, are always the victims. These people have stalked my children, my children’s friends, the friends families, our neighbors. They have contacted my daughter’s college, her employer, school newspapers she wrote for. The have gone above and beyond posting every single personal aspect of our lives. And what they couldn’t find… or when the TRUTH doesn’t sound quite salacious enough… they simply make stuff up….. including trying to implicate me peripherally in murder!
I kid you not. Thank you Jesus for my training in the medical field where one of the first things you learn is…document everything.
Good for you, Lee. That man and his cohorts are insane. I hope they lock him up before someone gets hurt.
Holly, you have clear disdain for Mr. Stranahan as evidenced on your twitter account, your own blog, as well as others that you commented on. Why then, have you come to comment at his site. Then make your comment, except for one sentence, ENTIRELY ABOUT YOURSELF. You have the same legal system available to you as Mr. Stranahan has. Why continue to post your personal problems repeatedly all over and continue to whine about them. I don’t feel it was appropriate to do so here. Mr. Stranahan and family are the victims here. Not you. Something tells me that playing “victim” is your attempt to garner attention.
Lee I’m sorry but I hate two faced idiots. I have been watching the attacks on you and your family. Clearly, many of these individuals are vile and despicable. They are disgusting and evil. Especially bringing your children into the fray. I could name names but I’m sure you are aware of them all. Mr. Schmalfeldt is a bottom feeder and evil bully. I hope he faces a harsh punishment because that may be the only way to shut him up. Good luck.
Sorry for the harassment that you and your family have suffered. Your commitment to your stories and subjects inspires many of us who follow your reporting. We will keep you in our prayers. Hang tough.
I know this guy from a forum we both used to be on. He was banned from there, a terrible nasty man. You probably already know he has Parkinson’s disease. He is probably on medication such as Mirapex. The side effect of these kinds of drugs is compulsive behavior - shopping, gambling, sex etc. I would imagine that is what is going on here.