Man Charged With Armed Harassment of Woman in Bemidji

A man sent a photo of himself holding a pistol to the victim, called her more than 60 times in one day and left a voicemail saying he was waiting for her, according to a complaint filed in Beltrami County.

Steven Charles Heller, 33, faces two charges: aggravated harassment for using a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a permit in a public place.

According to the complaint, a Bemidji police officer was dispatched on June 2 at about 8:16 a.m. to contact the victim regarding harassment and a welfare check. The victim told the officer that Heller had been harassing her for the past year. She reported frequently seeing Heller near her home and around town, and said Heller would often yell or make obscene gestures when he saw her.

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The victim stated that Heller had been texting and emailing her nonstop. The day before she called police, she said, Heller emailed her a photo of himself holding a pistol. That morning, she said, he called her more than 60 times and left a voicemail saying he was waiting for her where she parks. The victim also reported that Heller made comments about being suicidal and blamed her if he were to harm himself.

She told police that Heller’s actions made her fear for her safety and that she believed he might be waiting for her.

The officer noted that during their conversation, the victim’s voice was shaky, she was crying and appeared to be in emotional distress. The victim described Heller’s vehicle as a white Chevy pickup, which was later confirmed to be registered to him.

The officer attempted to locate Heller but did not find him. The victim told police that Heller worked at a business west of Bemidji. The officer received copies of the messages Heller sent to the victim, including the email with the pistol photo and a message reading “Bye.” A transcript of the voicemail included statements such as “I’m waiting for you by where you park” and “Call the cops on me if you want,” and ended, “I’ll be there.” Other messages referenced “payback” and plans to ruin the victim’s life.

The officer went to Heller’s workplace and requested backup due to concerns Heller might have a loaded pistol. The officer saw Heller exit the business and conducted a traffic stop. Heller immediately exited his pickup and appeared extremely emotional. He admitted to sending the photo of the pistol and calling the victim numerous times that morning.

When asked about the pistol, Heller first claimed it was at his residence but then admitted it was inside his pickup. The officer found a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol in the center console, with a magazine holding 11 rounds and nothing in the chamber. The pistol matched the one in the photo sent to the victim. Heller admitted he did not have a permit to carry a pistol.

According to the complaint, Heller has a prior misdemeanor DWI conviction from August 2025.

The charges were filed October 14 in Beltrami County District Court.