Prank call victim pressing charges for harassment

By Hanh Quach
Arizona Daily Wildcat
March 1, 1996

The MEChA member who reported receiving threatening phone calls in February has decided to press harassment charges against the Kappa Sigma member whom police found to have made the calls.

Roberto Martinez said he decided to press charges against Kappa Sigma member Michael Herskovitz after reading different versions of the caller's story. The charges were filed with the County Attorney's Office Tuesday.

"I just want the truth," Martinez said.

Although Herskovitz and his roommate Dylan Oster have written an apology admitting their guilt, Martinez does not think it is adequate.

Herskovitz could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Martinez said he believes Kappa Sigma was involved with the calls and said he wants the fraternity to share the responsibility.

"It's a horrible thing that Roberto was the victim of a misdialed phone call," said George Jenson, resident alumnus adviser for the fraternity.

Jenson and Kappa Sigma President Scott Jeffery deny allegations that the fraternity originated a plan to harass Martinez.

Martinez said he believes the calls were made because of his association with the Chicano organization.

The University of Arizona Police Department investigated the threatening calls earlier this month and found two of the calls made to Martinez's room in Coronado Residence Hall originated from Herskovitz's room across the hall.

Herskovitz maintains the calls were intended for Martinez's suitemates.

UAPD Detective Sgt. Sal Celi said the County Attorney's Office will decide whether there is enough evidence to take the case to court.

Making harassing phone calls is a class-one misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in jail or a $2,500 fine.

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