HASTINGS, Minn. — A former Lakeville Middle School Principal has entered guilty pleas to charges of stalking, burglary and identity theft in connection with five separate cases that took place over a five-year period.
Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom announced the pleas from 51-year-old Christopher Jerome Endicott Monday. Judge Tim Wermager ordered a psychological exam and pre-sentence investigation before sentencing June 17.
Endicot was first charged with stalking back on February 8, 2018. In that criminal complaint prosecutors spell out how Apple Valley Police were notified of alleged unauthorized use of a computer by the then-principal at Century MIddle School in Lakeville. As part of the initial investigation a search warrant was served at Endicott's home, which turned up evidence he was stalking not only the original victim but others as well.
Detectives say Endicott would break into the homes and vehicles of his victims, then steal items containing personal information including the names of victims and family members, social security numbers, dates of birth, and passwords he could use to further stalk them. At one point a detective working the case was monitoring Endicott's movements and whereabouts when he learned that the suspect was near the detective's home. The detective appeared panicked and concerned to colleagues. An electronic Geo fence was placed at the detective's home, and over the next few days surveillance showed Endicott was extremely close to the home multiple times.
Endicott was also charged with burglary after stolen items were found in a cabinet in his former school office. A short time later he was listed as a fugitive and found in a fish house in Battle Lake holding a rifle with a scope on it. Deputies feared he would harm himself, but Endicott was taken into custody without incident.
