Trial date set for suspected RB stalker

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - An Aug. 18 trial date was set Tuesday for a Rancho Bernardo man accused of threatening to rape and strangle nine women, including several San Diego television news reporters.

Christopher Carl Hass, 58, faces nine years in state prison if convicted of 13 charges, including felony stalking and making criminal threats, said Deputy District Attorney Wendy Patrick.

Hass — held on $500,000 bail — was arrested at his home Feb. 11 after a “distinctive crime spree” that lasted 2 1/2 years, the prosecutor said.

A search of Hass’ car turned up “voluminous’’ amounts of information, including the victims’ names, telephone numbers and addresses, Patrick said.

Hass would call the women or send threatening mail, telling them to wear certain articles of clothing, hoop earrings and open-toed shoes, and have them say or do things, the prosecutor alleged.

“If they didn’t comply, he threatened to rape them, strangle them with pantyhose or worse,’’ Patrick alleged at Hass’ arraignment.

Beside news reporters, the alleged victims included school teachers, an office manager and a real estate agent, Patrick said. One of the alleged offenses occurred in Temecula.

Authorities said the defendant was identified by DNA and fingerprints on letters he sent to his alleged victims.

Hass will be back in court Aug. 12 for a readiness conference at the downtown courthouse.