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Judge extends order of protection for one year in Ratliff v. Hodge after finding stalking
Summary
A Dixon County judge granted and extended an order of protection for one year to Linda Ratliff, finding proof of stalking based on repeated unwanted contact; the order includes temporary restrictions on firearm possession and will be issued and served by the deputy.
A Dixon County judge on the circuit docket granted and extended an order of protection for one year to Linda Ratliff after finding she had been subjected to stalking.
Judge: "The proof in this case is overwhelming that Miss Ratliff has been subjected to and has been the victim of stalking," the judge said, announcing the court's finding and the decision to extend an order of protection for one year. The judge also said the evidence supported a temporary loss of the respondent's right to possess firearms under the statutory scheme.
Petitioner Linda Ratliff, testifying during the trial de novo on the appeal from General Sessions, recounted months of unwanted contact beginning in October 2024 and escalating through October 2025. She described repeated attempts to contact her by text and email, no-caller-ID calls, multiple social-media accounts and unsolicited flower deliveries. "I was really afraid that things would escalate," Ratliff said, and offered photos, screen recordings and other documentation to the court.
Respondent Jacob Edward Hodge testified pro se, denying that he had threatened or physically harmed Ratliff and saying some of the calls and messages were not his. Hodge acknowledged persistent attempts to re-establish contact and said he accepted a no-contact condition but disputed the characterization of his conduct as threatening.
Legal context: The judge cited the state statute governing orders of protection and stalking in explaining the finding that the petitioner had shown she was placed in fear or subjected to stalking conduct that warrants relief.
What the order does: The court granted Ratliff's petition, extended the protection period for one year and ordered that the respondent be served with the written order. The judge noted that loss of firearm possession is a statutory consequence of an active order of protection and directed the deputy to effect service and follow statutory procedures.
Next steps: The judge paused briefly to complete the paperwork and instructed the deputy to serve Hodge in the courthouse lobby. Ratliff was given a copy of the order; the court explained she may return to seek an extension if new facts justify further relief.
