Lewis’ stalker faces charges

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2000 | 10:14 a.m.

A man who went to prison for stalking Jerry Lewis will stand trial on charges he sent a threatening letter to the entertainer.

A Jan. 22 trial date was scheduled Wednesday for Gary Benson 57, of Sheridan, Wyo.

Benson was freed from a Nevada prison in September 1999 after completing a six-year sentence for stalking Lewis.

He was arrested May 5 in Wyoming after the comedian received a letter on April 5 that said, "Dear Jerry. Your Dead. Your friend, Gary Benson."

An investigation into the signed letter led officials to believe Benson sent it, authorities said.

In September, Lewis was granted an extended protective order against Benson, protecting him from any form of harassment, stalking or aggravated stalking.

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