A University of Wisconsin pharmacy student was charged this month for three accounts of fires she allegedly started in the Elizabeth Waters residence hall two years ago, in addition to a charge of allegedly stalking a UW Pharmacy School official.

Kelly Fausek, 22, is charged in association with a fire started in 2002, which she claims she started unintentionally by heating an Ace bandage in the microwave. Fausek allegedly started the second fire the day after in a trash can, which she denied starting at the time and helped put out. The third fire with which Fausek was allegedly involved ended in an evacuation of the dorm.

Fausek was connected to the fires after she was caught on camera delivering threatening letters to a female Pharmacy School official and herself, according to UW Police Department Detective Carol Ann Glassmaker.

Glassmaker said an undercover camera was set up to watch over Fausek’s mailbox, which taped Fausek delivering a letter to herself. She matched the description and was taken in for questioning, where she admitted to sending the threatening letters to get attention.

Glassmaker added Fausek’s behavior could be a sign she is in need of help. She noted the police often try to help out the victim and the perpetrator, because both are often in need of aid.

“I don’t think someone is doing something for attention unless they are crying out for help,” Glassmaker said.

Glassmaker said Fausek could face up to 10 years in jail if she is charged with the felony of stalking in addition to starting the fires.

Glassmaker and Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard said fires reported on the UW campus are uncommon; however, stalking by UW officials and students is a problem they see repeatedly.

“Stalking is unfortunately something that occurs in Dane County and on campus,” Blanchard said.

According to Blanchard, stalking victims often do not report the incident until months later. He said it was vital for stalking victims to report the crime immediately in order to catch the perpetrator.

“We encourage people who believe they are a victim of stalking to get in touch with the police immediately,” Blanchard said.

Currently a court date has not been set for Fausek’s trial. Fausek is reportedly awaiting trial while staying at a relative’s home. She is not allowed to be on campus or in contact with the victim.