Jerry Lewis’ stalker returns to court

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2000 | 9:10 a.m.

A court appearance has been scheduled next month for the man accused of renewing his stalking of entertainer Jerry Lewis after six years in prison.

Gary Benson, 57, Sheridan, Wyo., is scheduled to be arraigned in Clark District Court Nov. 15 before Judge Kathy Hardcastle.

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.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis last week ruled there was sufficient evidence to send the case to District Court.

In the current case, Benson initially was charged with aggravated stalking and violation of an extended protective order. District Court records do not specify the charges for which he will be arraigned Nov. 15.

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