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Rooster’s Wings Clipped: Ohio Political Blogger Found Guilty in Explicit Shrek Meme Trial
Lake County jurors reached a guilty verdict in 30 minutes after prosecutors said the texts were harassment, and the judge imposed court costs and a $200 fine.
- On Friday, a Willoughby Municipal Court jury found political blogger D.J. Byrnes guilty of telecommunications harassment for sending an explicit Shrek meme to Ohio state Sen. Jerry Cirino .
- After Cirino withdrew his bid for Ohio Senate president, Byrnes sent the meme and taunting messages on May 6, claiming his coverage played a role in the senator's defeat.
- Rejecting the defense's First Amendment argument, Visiting Judge Michael Cicconetti sentenced Byrnes to a $200 fine and court costs, concluding the harassment statute was violated.
- Describing the image as 'harassing' and 'pornographic,' Cirino testified he pursued charges because his privacy was infringed; prosecutors emphasized Byrnes' intent was to harass.
- Court documents indicate Byrnes plans to appeal, as Aaron Terr, director of public advocacy for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, argues the conviction threatens protected political criticism.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 30%
C 50%
R 20%
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