Beekeeper jailed after releasing insects on authorities trying to evict her friend
Summary
A beekeeper named Rebecca Woods was jailed for six months after she released bees on sheriff’s deputies who were trying to evict her elderly friend undergoing cancer treatment. Woods admitted she did it to protect her friend from eviction, but several deputies were stung and one needed hospital care. She was found guilty of assault-related charges but acquitted of more serious felonies.Key Facts
- Rebecca Woods released bees from multiple hives during an eviction at her friend’s house in Springfield, Massachusetts.
- Several sheriff’s deputies were stung, with one requiring hospital treatment.
- About 1,000 bees died during the incident, including some crushed when hives fell.
- Woods was arrested after a physical struggle with deputies and was charged with assault and reckless assault.
- The court acquitted Woods of seven felony charges but convicted her on six misdemeanor counts.
- Woods said she wanted to protect her elderly friend who was undergoing cancer treatment and facing eviction.
- Her lawyer said Woods had experienced evictions herself and aimed to help people facing unfair mortgage lenders.
- Woods has appealed her conviction and maintains her innocence.
- The friend lost his home despite Woods’s attempt to stop the eviction.
- Sheriff Nick Cocchi stated deputies try to help people during evictions and that enforcement is done with care.
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