BEDFORD — A Bedford woman is facing criminal charges after month long neighborhood dispute allegedly escalated into a pattern of harassment and surveillance, according to court documents filed by the Bedford Police Department.
Debra S. Goins, 65, of Bedford, is being charged with invasion of privacy and stalking following a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Stuart Ratcliff.
The investigation began on October 28, 2025, when police were dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of O Street regarding a possible violation of a protection order. The victim informed officers that she had a protective order in place against Goins since July 2025.
According to the affidavit, the victim was working on a ladder in her carport when Goins allegedly walked nearby and struck an object—either the carport or her own truck—to create a loud noise, seemingly intended to startle the victim. Later that same day, Goins was reportedly seen watching the victim through binoculars from her porch. The victim’s boyfriend provided police with cell phone footage showing Goins ducking behind a porch pillar once she realized she was being watched.
In mid-November, the victims provided the Bedford Police Department with a USB drive containing approximately 30 logged incidents occurring between late August and November 2025. The evidence allegedly details a systematic pattern of behavior, including:
- Repeatedly adjusting security cameras to peek inside the victim’s carport and home.
- Walking past the property and calling the victims “trash.”
- Recording the victims’ home and windows with a cell phone while walking by.
- On one occasion in October, the victim reported that she had to clear children from the street after Goins allegedly drove her vehicle around the block, specifically to pass by where the children were playing.
The affidavit notes that the victims are in significant emotional distress. They expressed fear to officers that Goins might escalate her behavior to physical harm against her or her children.
The victim also noted that Goins has allegedly made unfounded claims to the Indiana State Police regarding illegal activity at the victim’s residence and is currently attempting to appeal the existing protection order.
Officer Ratcliff concluded the affidavit by stating there is probable cause to believe Goins committed the crimes. A request for an arrest warrant was submitted to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, and Goins was arrested on January 5, 2026.
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.
