Maryville man arrested after allegedly stalking ex-employer

A Maryville man was arrested May 1 for allegedly stalking his ex-employer.

According to the report, Christian Paul Dunne, 52, Legends Way, was fired from his place of employment. The report states that on April 29, he sent one text message that allegedly said, “he had family stuff and would not be at work,” and another text message 14 minutes later that reportedly said, “I guess not. I’ll stop by and get my check.”

He allegedly sent several other text messages to the business owner, including one that reportedly said if he didn’t get his money, he would “take it out on his truck” and put a “Milwaukee Router through the window screen.”

The Milwaukee Router and its battery were reported stolen by the business owner the next day. Allegedly, Dunne admitted to stealing the tool and was keeping the tool until the owner paid him via Venmo or CashApp. The business owner claimed they sent Dunne’s final paycheck via certified mail and provided documentation to officers.

According to the report, the same day the router was reported stolen, Dunne began texting the business owner again, allegedly telling them he was going to visit job sites to find them and “get his money.”

The report also states that Dunne allegedly began texting four co-workers, asking if they knew which site the owner would be at.

Officers stated they spoke with Dunne by telephone. Dunne allegedly told officers he was going to cause trouble for the business owner by “sitting outside their office or at job sites with t-shirts and signs about the company.”

Officers reportedly advised Dunne that “signs were freedom of speech but repeatedly calling, texting and threatening people was illegal…”

Officers advised Dunne he was not to have contact with the business. The report states Dunne went on to send threatening text messages to the business owner after being told to stop communication with the business owner.

The following day, officers responded to a disturbance call that Dunne was “setting up camp in front of the business.”

Officers stated that Dunne had parked his vehicle and set up a chair and signs.

Officers arrested Dunne and charged him with theft, harassment and stalking.