Lawyer: Accused Stalker Denies Charges

An attorney for the man accused of stalking a Hampton Bays High School employee with ammunition in his pocket and bringing a rifle on to school grounds says he vehemently denies the allegations made against him.

Todd Tuttle, 46, of Hampton Bays, was arrested on April 17 for stalking a female employee at the high school and trespassing for refusing to leave. He was later found to have ammunition in his pocket that went to a semi-automatic 9mm Stag Rifle, which was in his truck in the parking lot, Southampton Town Police said. Tuttle was rearrested a day later for allegedly violating an order of protection by returning to the school and going back and forth outside.

Hampton Bays attorney James Vhladamis said Friday he was privately retained by Tuttle to represent him and that he “vehemently denies the allegations made against him” in regard to his initial and subsequent arrest. There is a contradiction of the facts and allegations in Tuttle’s case according to witnesses, Vhladamis said.

“We are going to vigorously defend him and we are going to go full speed ahead,” he added.

Tuttle is being held on $50,000 bail at Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Yaphank, according to Chief Michael Sharkey’s Office. He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 9.

Police said Tuttle was spotted by a high school employee, who called cops to the high school to report a case of possible stalking, and he allegedly tried to get one over by saying he was watching his son play at the lacrosse game, but he was called on it and was asked to leave and refused. He had been repeatedly stalking the female employee, who has not been identified, for several weeks, stemming from a domestic conflict between her family and his, police said.

When he was placed under arrest for trespassing, the scenario unfolded from there, with police allegedly locating the rifle in Tuttle’s truck. No one was harmed in the incident.

peggy@indyeastend.com