LAWRENCE CO. – A Mitchell man has been charged with intimidation and harassment following a police investigation into reports of threatening communications. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Lawrence County Police Officer Christian James, Joshua Engler, 37, is accused of making threats against his ex-girlfriend and another individual.
On Tuesday, April 8, a woman reported to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department that she was experiencing harassment from her ex-boyfriend, Joshua Engler. She stated that Engler had been calling and texting her excessively and had made several threats over the phone. She informed officers that she and Engler had broken up around March 13th and subsequently blocked him on social media and his phone number. However, Engler was reportedly using talk apps to continue contacting her.
The woman alleged that on April 8th at approximately 11:00 a.m., Engler called her and threatened to send someone with a firearm to her residence. She also stated that Engler had a key to her camper and had been going to her property while at work. She and Engler are reportedly involved in a civil dispute regarding a dog and its puppies, and both parties were advised that this issue is a civil matter.
On Wednesday, April 9, the woman returned to the Sheriff’s Department with a male. She reported that Engler was also harassing the male, believing that she was in a relationship with him. She provided a text message from Engler threatening to find the male and assault him. Engler was also reportedly texting the male repeatedly and using Facebook Messenger under the name “Jay Ryan” to send these threats. She stated that Engler uses the alias “Jay Ryan” to conceal his criminal history from potential clients for work purposes.
On Friday, April 11, Officer James spoke with Engler by phone. Engler claimed that the woman constantly contacted him and denied using any apps to contact her. He acknowledged that they had a difficult breakup and stated that he only wanted his dog back. Engler also confirmed that he uses the name “Jay Ryan.”
Based on the investigation, the information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Engler’s arrest. He was detained on Monday, May 12 on charges of intimidation and harassment.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
