Woman Who Was Arrested as Utility Crews Forcibly Installed Smart Meters Fights Back
Photo Credit: The BlazeA woman who was arrested and later acquitted for taking cellphone video while utility crews forced installation of “smart meters” on another resident’s property is now suing for legal injuries.
On January 23, 2013, Malia “Kim” Bendis, 42, went to the home of Naperville, Illinois, resident Jennifer Stahl to take cellphone video of police and crews installing a “smart meter” without Stahl’s consent. Moments later, Bendis found herself in handcuffs because police said she was “eavesdropping.”
But Bendis’ eavesdropping charge was later dropped after the Illinois Supreme Court later ruled the law unconstitutional. She was also charged with resisting arrest of which she was acquitted in October 2014.
With all of her charges gone, Bendis has now filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois’ Eastern Division. Bendis is suing the city of Naperville for legal injuries she says she suffered during the judicial process, the Naperville Daily Herald reported.
Even before Bendis’ arrest, she and Stahl were active and outspoken opponents to the city’s smart grid initiative, which includes the installation of smart meters at each one of the town’s homes and businesses. City officials say the high-tech effort will increase reliability, reduce operating costs, improve efficiency and reduce waste. (Read more about the arrest after the crews forcibly installed smart meters HERE)
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