ANDOVER, Mass. -- A dispute over property development has spiraled into an ugly case of neighbor versus neighbor in Andover.

Neighbors Claim Craig's List, DSS Harassment

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that a High Vale Lane couple was arraigned on harassment charges on Friday.

Prosecutors said Bill Johnson, a real estate developer, and his wife, Gail, were involved in a scheme of harassment that lasted months, and they used a middleman to try to hide the scheme. The harassment is allegedly aimed at two of their neighbors.

In his first complaint, the alleged victim said someone had placed an ad on the Web site Craig's List, saying they were giving away free golf carts at his house. All his information, including phone numbers and address, were given. Later, the victim said an ad for a motorcycle was posted.

"And the posting stated that the bike belonged to the victim's late son. The victim took that as a threat towards his son," said prosecutor Maura Officer.

Investigators said Johnson wants to develop property near his home. The alleged victims live down the street and oppose the plan.

Prosecutors also said the harassment included identity theft.

"All of their personal information -- both of their names, dates of birth, addresses, cell phone numbers, home phone numbers and Social Security numbers. The e-mail went on to say, 'Remember, if you aren’t miserable, I ain't happy. Let's play,'" Officer said.

Prosecutors said the Johnsons also made a phony call to a Department of Social Services hot line.

"These two individuals went so far as to attempt to affect the lives of children in calling DSS and having DSS show up at 11 o'clock at night wanting to speak to a 14-year-old," Officer said.

The alleged victims asked not to be identified.

The Johnsons were released on $8,000 bail.