CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A woman who had threatening notes left on her door by her neighbor, a state trooper, has filed a civil lawsuit against that trooper, according to a copy of the complaint shared with Cville Right Now by the woman’s attorney.

Saleena Pinheiro filed her complaint in Albemarle County Circuit Court seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, alleging assault and infliction of emotional distress caused by the trooper, Logan Pingley.

Last month, Pingley, 31, pleaded no contest after being indicted on a felony charge of leaving threatening notes on Pinheiro’s door on Nov. 8, 2024, an incident that was captured by Pinheiro’s doorbell camera. During an April evidentiary hearing, Pingley’s attorney told the court that the intended target of the notes was a man named Martin Howard, Pinheiro’s live-in boyfriend at the apartment in the Woodlands of Charlottesville complex.

Pingley, according to his attorney, had seen Howard driving recklessly through the neighborhood and suspected him of other criminal behavior.

The notes read, “F— around and find out,” and “You’re not safe anywhere.” Under the terms of his plea arrangement, Pingley was sentenced to four months of probation, 60 hours of community service and he must pay court costs. He was also required to submit a letter of apology to Pinheiro.

According to the civil complaint, those notes caused her “fears and apprehensions” that, ultimately prompted Pinheiro to move out of the neighborhood. Pinheiro, who is represented by attorney Jeff Fogel, elected to have the case heard by a jury, according to the complaint.

The State Police placed Pingley on paid leave in June 2025. In September, he was placed on leave without pay.