Farrell woman charged after recording video in court lobby, then posting it online

A Farrell woman is facing a misdemeanor charge after allegedly using her cell phone to record an incident in the lobby of the Farrell District Magistrate and then posting it online.

According to a police criminal complaint, Teresa Yvonne Kirkland, 67, is charged with unlawful use of an audio or video device in court. The offense allegedly occurred on Friday, April 25.

The complaint states that a member of Magisterial District Judge Mary Ann Odem’s staff told a police officer that they saw a video of an incident in the courthouse lobby posted on a Facebook page under the name Teresa Kitt, which authorities identified as Kirkland's page. Police say they watched the video, which had 222 views, and took a screenshot before it was deleted.

Kirkland reportedly told police she didn't know she had posted the video online and thought she was only prohibited from recording inside the courtroom. According to the affidavit of probable cause, Kirkland allegedly stated, "Well, if I'm going to get charged, I might as well post it then!" while speaking with the police officer in the courthouse lobby before deleting the video.

A hearing for Kirkland is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, before Magisterial District Judge Odem.

The charge of unlawful use of an audio or video device in court is a misdemeanor.

Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to record video or audio in a "judicial facility," including a courtroom, hearing room, or judicial chambers used by the court to conduct trials or hearings or any other court-related business, or any other room made available to interview witnesses.