A Pennsdale area man faces charges for allegedly sending vulgar and threatening text messages to his estranged wife after being warned by Old Lycoming Township police not to have any communication with the woman.

Less than five minutes after Sgt. Joseph Hope told Steven W. Ball on Jan. 19 that he was not to have any contact with his soon-to-be ex-wife, Dawn, he sent a text message to her township home, saying “So this is the way it’s going to be. You bring out the hate in me and make me act this way,” according to an affidavit. During the next two days, Ball, 33, sent several threatening text messages to the woman, Hope alleges.

Ball of 43 Oak Lane, Muncy Township, has been charged with harassment by communication and harassment, and was sent a summons to appear before District Judge James H. Sortman.