Illinois man facing trial for cyber-stalking a Dallas woman he does not know

Dallas (WBAP/KLIF) – A retired Illinois man is in federal custody in Dallas charged with cyber-stalking Texas philanthropist Lyda Hill. According to the indictment Edward Pekala has never met Hill, and does not know her personally, but for three years has been stalking her on the internet, threatening her, and harassing her. He reportedly has created Facebook accounts that were made to appear to belong to Hill. He wrote threats about her on Facebook and other social media sites. Mailed threats to her, and left harassing messages in her voicemail. He’s also accused of using Hill’s identity to apply for life insurance in her name. He faces federal charges of cyber-stalking, and eight counts of identity theft. No trial date has yet been sent.