A Florida lawyer has been charged with assault for shaking hands with the prosecutor over-vigorously.
London, Feb 12 : A Florida lawyer has been charged with assault for shaking hands with the prosecutor over-vigorously.
Kathy Brewer Rentas shook the hand of Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Keene so hard that her arm was nearly ripped out of its socket.
The 49-year-old was in court to represent her husband Anthony, who was arrested for violating the terms of his probation, when the incident is said to have occurred.
After the judge ruled that Anthony be placed under house arrest for 90 days and complete his probation, his wife insisted on shaking the hand of her opponent.
Kathy made an upward, then a quick downward motion and pulled Jennifer toward the ground, according to a report by a US marshall,
As a result, Jennifer's head and neck were snapped forward and then backward.
"Assaulting a federal officer is something that we will take very seriously and prosecute vigorously. As a member of the bar, she should know better," the Telegraph quoted a spokesman for the US Attorney's Office, as saying.
Kathy's attorney said that her client never meant to hurt Jennifer.
Kathy was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but was released after spending a night in solitary confinement, and ordered to undergo psychological examination.
She was also ordered to stay away from Jennifer, and faces up to a year in prison if convicted of assault.
ANI