COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio - A competency evaluation was requested for a former East Palestine Police officer accused of threatening and harassing four people including a local judge.

A secret indictment accused 44-year-old Matthew Elser of threatening harm to the victims, including Columbiana County Municipal Judge Timothy McNicol.

Elser allegedly caused the victims to believe that he would cause serious harm to one of them or their property.

He faces six felony and 11 misdemeanor charges:

  • Five counts of telecommunications harassment
  • Five counts of aggravated menacing
  • Four counts of retaliation
  • One count of intimidation
  • One count of unlawful restraint
  • One count of intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness in a criminal case

Elser's attorney requested October 15 for his arraignment.