West Des Moines Womens’ Spat Over Christmas Display Escalates

A months-long dispute between two women over Christmas decorations escalated to the point that one of them asked West Des Moines police to consider harassment charges against the other last week.

Officer Gwen Fasano took a report on Dec. 28 from the alleged victim, 50, who said she had been given a collection of Christmas houses by the other woman, age 52, in 2010.

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A year and a half later, the second woman asked that they be returned. The first woman had gotten rid of some of them, but returned the remainder in December 2011.

In early December, the alleged victim said she began to receive emails inquiring about the disposition of the holiday display pieces. Fasano, who read the emails, said the suspect threatened to contact the victim’s employer and called her derogatory names. The victim also reportedly received a letter in the mail demanding the items back or payment for them.

The victim wants the other woman to cease all contact with her and said she is worried for her welfare and her employment, according to the report.