Who is Michael Arnold? Pilot accused of spying on woman with plane busted for stalking again

#Crime #pilots #SexualHarassment

Serial stalking pilot arrested again for harassment
Retired merchant marine faces charges for stalking incidents
Small community on edge as stalking pilot's actions persist

Written By:Jenel Treza

Updated: February 05 2024 03:35:32 PM ET

In the latest episode of an ongoing saga, 65-year-old Michael Arnold, a retired merchant marine and pilot, has been arrested for the third time in four months, facing charges of criminal contempt and stalking in connection to an alleged stalking incident on January 12. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office reported that Arnold, in violation of an order of protection, trailed a woman in a maroon car, stopping briefly before driving away.

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Judge says accused stalker pilot Michael Arnold does not qualify for a public defender. He must hire an attorney and be back in court tomorrow at 12:30. Arnold spoke with me on his way out of the courtroom. Details starting at 5 on @CBS6Albany pic.twitter.com/7d8StRutYI

— Jacquie Slater (@jacquieslater) October 4, 2023

Who is Michael Arnold?
Arnold gained notoriety in October when he was arrested three times for flying his single-engine plane over the home of 42-year-old Cassie Wilusz. During the investigation, law enforcement discovered a fake Facebook account allegedly used by Arnold to harass and threaten Wilusz’s daughter. Despite multiple charges, he was released on bail after each arrest in October.

The latest arrest comes as Arnold was held without bail, facing criminal contempt and stalking charges related to the recent incident. The Saratoga County Jail now detains him.

Wilusz, owner of Revolution Cafe in Schuylerville, has been living in fear since Arnold’s alleged campaign of harassment began in November 2019, triggered by her rejection of his advances. Arnold’s actions escalated, with him allegedly circling her home in his plane several times a week and following her in his car.

In October, Schuylerville Mayor Dan Carpenter expressed concerns about Arnold’s mental stability, fearing potential escalation. Arnold’s actions, including flying a plane over Wilusz’s house while her husband was dying of colon cancer, raised alarms about the safety of the small residential community.

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This latest arrest underscores the persistent threat Arnold poses, and questions loom regarding the legal consequences and community safety measures. As the legal proceedings unfold, Wilusz and her community grapple with the unsettling reality of a serial stalker with a penchant for airborne harassment.