Mass. pair accused of harassing neighbors

LAWRENCE, Mass. -- A husband and wife are charged with harassing their Andover neighbors with disturbing pranks that went as far as identity theft and a false child abuse report.

A prosecutor said at their arraignment Friday in Lawrence District Court that the actions of Bill and Gail Johnson were part of a land dispute. The Johnsons pleaded not guilty to charges of identity fraud, harassment, conspiracy and making a frivolous child abuse report.

Prosecutors say the alleged victims got e-mails indicating their personal information had been stolen, and someone tried to open a bank account using the information. The alleged pranks included signing the victims up for a nudist group and placing fake online sale ads that led to late-night phone calls at their home.

Bill Johnson's attorney said another man already charged in the case did much of the computer harassment.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)