US woman faces jail for tagging sister-in-law in Facebook post

Image
Press Trust of India New York
Last Updated : Jan 16 2016 | 5:57 PM IST
An American woman is facing a year in jail for tagging and calling her former sister-in-law "stupid" in a Facebook post after she was prohibited from contacting her ex-husband's family by a court order.
New York-based Maria Gonzalez, who was banned from contacting Maribel Calderon after her divorce from Maribel's brother Rafael Calderon, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt for the alleged post.
Gonzalez is accused of calling Maribel "stupid" in the post and saying, "You and your family are sad.. You guys have to come stronger than that!! I'm way over you guys but I guess not in ya agenda."
Gonzalez tried to argue that the protection order "did not specifically prohibit [her] from Facebook communication" with her Maribel.
Westchester County Supreme Court Justice Susan Capeci disagreed, saying, "The order of protection prohibited the defendant from contacting the protected party by electronic or any other means," New York Post reported.
"The allegations that she contacted the victim by tagging her in a Facebook posting which the victim was notified of is thus sufficient for pleading purposes to establish a violation of the order of protection," the judge ordered.
Manhattan matrimonial attorney Michael Stutman, who isn't part of the case, said the ruling proves his client adage, "Everything you post anywhere can possibly be used against you."
Gonzalez's attorney, Kim Frohlinger, said she would not appeal the ruling.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 16 2016 | 5:57 PM IST

Next Story