BEDFORD– Paul E. Freeman, 56, of Bedford, has been arrested and charged with invasion of privacy after allegedly violating a protective order.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Brent Thompkins, the female victim, reported to the police department on October 7, 2024, that she had received a text message from Paul Freeman, against whom she has an active protective order. The message, which appeared to be intended for a third party, was sent to the woman on October 7, 2024, at 10:31 a.m. She provided the message and contact information to Officer Bell, who confirmed the active protective order, signed by Judge Nikirk on June 6, 2024.
During a subsequent interview with Detective Thompkins, Freeman stated that he had mistakenly sent the message to the female instead of a male friend. He claimed he had been texting the male about a new job and accidentally sent the response to the female. He further stated that he had deleted the conversation with the male and could not provide screenshots. Paul Freeman also stated that he hadn’t spoken to the female since June, when the protective order became active, and that he did not have her number saved in his phone. He then offered that he must have typed her number from habit.
Detective Thompkins informed Freeman that he did not find his explanation credible and would be forwarding the report to the prosecutor. Freeman then admitted that he had sent the message intentionally because he was still struggling with the split and wanted her to know. He stated that he had hoped his going to rehab for alcohol abuse would cause the woman to reconsider the split, but was instead served with divorce and protective order papers while in treatment.
Based on this information, Detective Thompkins requested an arrest warrant on a charge of invasion of privacy and Freeman was arrested on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
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