{{{{K_J}}}} No, it's not a punishment, Hon! Some sick-o's just get a kick out of intimidating others by exerting control over them like this creep is doing to you. I know it's scary but if you possibly can, call his bluff. He's not going to torch your house or kill you. He's just trying to scare you and seems to be doing a good job of it.

Seems you have a good support system with your neighbors and friends. If they're willing to go to the cops with you, then they will probably help you confront him in some way.

I used to have a neighbor that would harrass me constantly and I started carrying a small alluminum bat with me. If he ever got close enough to me that I could land a good blow to his knees or crotch, then he was too close to me and I could claim that I feared for my safety... which I did, the jerk! It never came to that, though... darn it! LOL

There was a person here on the board who's siggy line said "Karma is like a boomerang." I believe it. This creep is going to get his just deserts sooner or later. Don't give him the satisfaction of knowing he's scaring you.

... and prayers, too.