Trial set for man accused of stalking Ashanti
Photo credit: AP | Singer Ashanti Douglas, left, poses with her mother Tina Douglas at a press preview for the "The Wiz" at the New York City Center in New York. (May 19, 2009)
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Devar L. Hurd, 31, faces three counts of stalking and 26 counts of aggravated harassment for text messages he sent Tina Douglas, Ashanti’s mother, regarding the Glen Cove-based singer.
According to court filings, one text sent in May read: “Hey Tina baby, how u doing sexy. Tell Shani I’m coming straight home from work to put in sum over time. U know how I do, LOL.”
Orders of protection for the singer and her family were issued after they received pictures of the family’s home in Glen Cove and Ashanti’s car, as well as X-rated pictures of Hurd, according to court filings. Authorities say the messages referenced the Grammy-winning singer’s performances and her relationship with the rapper Nelly, adding that the photo of the family home included a text that referred to him visiting. Hurd also reportedly waited for Ashanti to show up at the theater when she was performing as Dorothy in “The Wiz” this summer.
Hurd has pleaded not guilty and is being held on $50,000 bond. His lawyer declined to comment to The Associated Press. Ashanti’s spokeswoman could not be reached for comment.
