A southern Alberta alderwoman who was charged with lying to police about her mysterious disappearance in the U.S. faces a similar charge by police back home over her allegations she was stalked for several months.

Lethbridge Ald. Dar Heatherington was charged with public mischief Tuesday after what city police characterized as a lengthy and costly investigation. It was sparked by her complaint to them that she was receiving phone calls and letters of a sexual nature from an unknown man for six months.

"We take this crime very seriously," said Lethbridge police Staff Sgt. Jeff Cove.

Heatherington, 39, caused a stir last month when she disappeared for three days after the Great Falls business trip. The mother of three small children turned up later in Las Vegas where she said she had been abducted and sexually assaulted.

She was subsequently charged by Montana police with giving false information to a police officer, but accepted a deal whereby the charge will be dropped in a year if she stays out of trouble and receives regular psychiatric care.

Last week, Heatherington asked Lethbridge city council for a leave of absence from her duties. Her request is expected to be discussed at a meeting next week.