The "naked" truth
BEND, Ore. Terri Sue Webb stood up in court and swore to tell the truth, nothing but the "naked" truth.
Webb, 26, appeared in a Deschutes County courtroom earlier this month wearing nothing but a pair of red cowboy boots. Webb, who was on trial for riding her bicycle in the buff in July, thought she'd seize the opportunity to make a statement that non-sexual public nudity is not against the law.
"When I walked into the courtroom, she was already naked," prosecuting attorney James Monsebroten told Court TV, adding he did not know how or when Webb got undressed.
Though some in the ogling crowd cheered her resoluteness, the judge was not amused. Judge Barbara Haslinger ordered Webb arrested for contempt of court and sentenced her to a year of supervised probation, and ordered her to undergo a mental examination.
Haslinger set a new trial date of Jan. 27 and told Webb she must be properly attired for all future court dates. If she doesn't comply, Webb could be sentenced to 29 days in jail.
Webb was originally charged with disorderly conduct for pedaling naked. Her attorney, Alana Brenneman, called the charge unjustified because Webb didn't cause any inconvenience or annoyance. The state, however, contends Webb's actions jeopardized public safety. Monsebroten declined to go into detail, but said Webb obstructed traffic and caused much alarm.
Webb faces up to six months in prison and a $2,000 fine.
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