Arizona man pleads guilty to stalking woman in Maryland - New York News | NYC Breaking News

An Arizona man has pleaded guilty to stalking a woman in Maryland.
 
49-year-old David Charles Richards of Phoenix entered the plea Thursday in federal court in Baltimore.
 
According to Richards' guilty plea, from December 2006 through November 2011, he used the internet, telephone, e-mail, and the U.S. mail to stalk the woman in Maryland, including threatening to kill her.

Richards and the woman had a prior romantic relationship, but had not been in contact for 15 years.  The victim described the relationship as both troubled and violent.
 
The FBI says back on December 11, 2006, the victim discovered that a website had been created in her name, which included a countdown clock to the expiration of the protective order she had taken out against Richards and other threatening material.
 
In March 2008, Richards attempted to purchase a firearm in Arizona, but failed to disclose that he was subject to a protective order.  Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms denied his purchase due to the status.

In December 2009, Richards mailed a threatening note, along with shredded pieces of protective orders to the victim's home.  A month later, he left the victim at least eight voicemails which totaled one hour and 40 minutes in length, according to the FBI.

Authorities say his campaign of harassment and threats placed the victim in fear of death and serious harm.

Richards faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison at a hearing set for June 24.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.