Man sabotaged farmers for refusing to let him have sex with their animals
Authorities allege a man sent letters and emails to local farmers asking to have sex with their animals and then harassed farmers after they said no.
Richard Decker, from Vernon, New Jersey, was arrested on October 3 and is facing 22 indictable offences, according to the New Jersey Herald.
Decker allegedly sent several emails and letters to local farmers and stables in the area, asking to have sex with their animals, specifically cows and horses.
Decker started approaching farms in the Sussex County area with his proposal in August 2018.
When the farmers and stable owners said no, police allege Decker began harassing the residents and leaving homemade metal spike devices to deflate car tyres on driveways.
In January this year, police appealed for the public to report suspicious activity around the county, after numerous complaints from locals that their tyres were punctured by homemade spikes and metal contraptions.
When authorities searched Decker’s home, they found homemade tyre deflation devices, two arrows fixed with explosives and flash powder and a manufactured firearm, which Decker was not licensed to own.
On Wednesday, Decker appeared in court where the judge ultimately decided he should remain in detention until trial.
In court, Assistant Prosecutor Magdelen Czykier said the defendant once threatened to beat the wife of a property owner with a wooden stick, the New Jersey Herald reports. Decker also allegedly left negative reviews for properties online and harassed property owners.
The prosecution argued Decker was a risk to the community, given they found explosive devices and a firearm, along with his unusual ‘behaviour’.
Decker’s defence argued for his release saying he had stored the explosives in jars with no intention of using them, and arguing the explosives were “basically firecrackers” and asserting it was unclear if the firearm was “operable”.
Decker has admitted to sending the letters asking permission for him to have sexual relations with the farm animals.
He is facing multiple charges including second-degree possession of explosives and possession of a destructive device to use unlawfully, fourth-degree procuring an animal in any kind of sexual manner or initiate any sexual conduct with an animal and fourth-degree threatening to commit aggravated assault.
He is also facing charges pertaining to the harassment online.
Decker will return to court in November.
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