Thug. It is not a term I am accustomed to using in conversation. It is defined as, “a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer”. Not a topic that is usually discussed in the Adventist community. For Linda, being a victim of thuggery has become a way of life since her divorce from Danny. She moved from the area where 3ABN was located because she felt her safety was in question. Her daughter lived in Springfield, so Linda moved there to be closer to her. She purchased a home thinking she could have a fresh start in a place where she could feel safe. Unfortunately, that would not be the case.
From the very beginning of her move to Springfield, Linda found her life again in jeopardy. She contacted the police on a number of occasions. They would come and investigate, confirming the crimes that were committed. Finally one officer took her aside and suggested she purchase a gun for her own protection.
Linda describes the reason she left Springfield, “I sold my home in Springfield because of the stalking, the break-ins, the damage to my home, the thefts and the harassment. When people are apparently hired to do this, there is no boundaries as to what they might do. I cannot tell you the “hell” I have lived in because of all of this. Nothing I have had was private or personal. My phones are bugged. My computer has been compromised. My car has been followed.”
Linda has lived in this “hell” for nearly ten years. She left Illinois hoping that with the change of location, she would find safety and security. That was not the case. Instead, it escalated.
Sister