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Fergus Falls 'soul collector' sentenced for attacking neighbor

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Nov 2, 2011 at 8:29 am

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) - A Fergus Falls man who called himself a "soul collector'' has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attacking his neighbor.

Forty-three-year-old Timothy Eugene Peterson was accused of trying to cut off his neighbor's toes and scalp him last January, in order to "collect his soul.'' The attack left Ivan "Skip'' Mallas with multiple stab wounds.

Peterson pleaded guilty to assault in July. Other counts were dismissed.

KSAX-TV reports Peterson was given credit for 297 days for time served. He was also ordered to pay $731 in restitution and court fees.

Peterson apologized to Mallas at Tuesday's sentencing.

Mallas says he didn't have any set punishment he'd like to see for Peterson. He says he hopes "that no other person has to experience this.''