She says she's exploring all of her options after her case was dismissed by Broward County. Last month former Air America host Nicole Sandler was arrested and charged with trespass after warning. Trespass after warning is a municipal ordinance. Sandler was cuffed and booked after speaking out at a town hall meeting for a Florida Congressman. The authorities didn't like the way she spoke out and asked questions while the Congressman was speaking. Sandler says she was just participating in our Democratic form of government. Her bond was $25.00 but her stay at the Broward County Jail was less than pleasant.
Being arrested is one thing, being treated the way Sandler says she was treated while in custody is another. If true, one could argue prisoners get better treatment at Gitmo. Last night Sandler described her treatment while in custody of the county. "The guard at the Broward County Jail didn't like the fact that I asked for an apology to me and three other women who were put in a cell that was being used to store mattresses and forgotten about and left in there for over an hour. In retribution for me daring to tell him that we were human beings and deserved an apology, he put me into solitary confinement. While I was locked in that cell, I heard a guard call my name. I believe she was calling me to let me out. I responded that I was locked in cell #1, and that she needed to let me out. Then I heard nothing more for over an hour. I believe I was supposed to be released, but the guard who was punishing me somehow managed to make sure I was held a little longer."
For several days, albeit not pleasant, the event was a publicity bonanza for Sandler. She was in the paper, on the local newscasts and there was video of the episode all over the Internet. Sandler was also savvy at pushing it out using social media on Twitter, Facebook and her blog. She also does an online radio show where she discussed the event. Sandler also fills in for Rhandi Rhodes on occasion.
We asked her why she thought Broward County decided to drop the charges. "They didn't have a case. From what I've heard, the prosecutor watched the various videos floating around and realized it was a wrongful arrest. They didn't have a case and had no choice but to drop the charge. I think they don't understand the concept of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. The "law enforcement" officials here apparently believe they hold the power of judge, jury and executioner."
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