A Montgomery County jury has convicted an East Norriton man in a wide-ranging stalking and harassment case that targeted an Upper Dublin woman and her partner, culminating in a false emergency call that brought police to their home, according to a report.
Matthew Nathaniel Hairston-Johnston, 39, was found guilty of stalking, terroristic threats, harassment, impersonating a public servant, and making a false 911 call following a three-day trial in Montgomery County Court.
Prosecutors said the incidents occurred between August and September 2024, shortly after Hairston-Johnston’s release from prison for a prior stalking conviction.
The case centered around an Upper Dublin woman, a former partner of Hairston-Johnston, and her current boyfriend, who were subjected to an intense and calculated pattern of harassment, according to court documents.
Investigators determined that hundreds of messages and calls were sent from dozens of anonymous phone numbers created through mobile apps. Authorities said the defendant also created a fake persona in an attempt to manipulate and intimidate the victims, sending deceptive and threatening messages designed to cause fear and strain their relationship.
The situation escalated on Sept. 1, when a false 911 call reported an armed domestic incident at the victims’ residence. Upper Dublin Police Department responded, but quickly determined the report was unfounded.
Detectives later traced the call and a network of anonymous communications back to Hairston-Johnston. The investigation required tracking more than 100 phone numbers, according to testimony.
The victims described significant emotional distress during the ordeal, including repeatedly changing contact information in an effort to stop the harassment.
This marks at least the third stalking-related conviction for Hairston-Johnston, with prior cases involving victims in other Montgomery County communities.
Judge Steven T. O’Neill ordered Hairston-Johnston held without bail pending sentencing, which will follow a mental health evaluation. He faces the possibility of a lengthy prison term.
