Woman convicted of threatening neighbors

By Linda Cicoira

An Onancock area woman pleaded guilty to two felony counts of violating protective orders last year obtained by neighbors who complained about her threats of violence, profanity, screaming, and name-calling.

Sixty-year-old Kathy Elizabeth Peterson, of Southside Road, was initially indicted on nine counts of violating protective orders between May and August. The other seven charges were not prosecuted as part of a plea bargain. Peterson has been convicted of two prior violations, which makes the new convictions felonies.

“I felt threatened just like all the other times in the past,” one of the protected persons wrote in the court record.

Peterson threatened to punch the two neighbors or worse, according to the record.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney William Fox said the threats of violence have been going on for about four years. It was so loud at times they recorded her from inside their house. Fox played an audio recording for Judge Lynwood W. Lewis Jr.

Peterson had derogatory nicknames for the couple and even painted the names on a fence between the two yards. He said the outbursts could last 15 minutes and would occur in the middle of the day or night when she was drunk or sober.

A long-form presentence report and a health evaluation that includes alcohol abuse were ordered. Sentencing was set for June 26. The plea bargain did not include a sentencing agreement.