By: MARK TAPSCOTT
Washington Examiner
Editorial Page Editor
09/12/09
Jamie O’Keefe, the intrepid filmaker who teamed with National Journalism Center intern Hannah Chiles in the ACORN video sting, now faces the prospect of being prosecuted by the Baltimore City State’s Attorney for violating a Maryland that makes it illegal to tape an individual without their prior permission.
If he is convicted, O’Keefe could spend five years in the Maryland State Prison. Yes, you read that right. Here’s the complete statement issued late yesterday by the prosecutor, Patricia Jessamy:
“Baltimore, MD – September 11, 2009 – We have received inquiries from citizens and the media asking whether the Baltimore City State’s Attorneys Office would initiate a criminal investigation for acts allegedly committed at ACORN offices located in Baltimore. The only information received in reference to this alleged criminal behavior was a YouTube video. Upon review by this office, the video appears to be incomplete. In addition, the audio portion could possibly have been obtained in violation of Maryland Law, Annotated Code of Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article §10-402, which requires two party consent.
“If it is determined that the audio portion now being heard on YouTube was illegally obtained, it is also illegal under Maryland Law to willfully use or willfully disclose the content of said audio. The penalty for the unlawful interception, disclosure or use of it is a felony punishable up to five years.”…
…two ACORN employees appear to have voluntarily become accessories to multiple federal, state and local crimes, including child abuse, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, tax evasion, and immigration law violations. The two ACORN employees may also have thus provided hard evidence that their employer should be prosecuted as a criminal enterprise under the RICO statutes.
And the Baltimore City State’s Attorney may prosecute the two people responsible for exposing this heinous operation!
If any of this sounds vaguely familiar, it should because back in the Clinton days, the Maryland State’s Prosecutor prosecuted Linda Tripp for recording Monica Lewinsky’s description of her sexual encounter with President Bill Clinton…
Read this unbelievable news at Washington Examiner.
