Late June 2016, Ebony Conner was asked orally by a code enforcement officer to remove trash, tow cars from her driveway and cut the grass. Two weeks later, she was arrested for leaving the grass uncut.
A local news agency (KMOV-TV) reviewed a copy of the written complaint that was issued to Ebony and confirmed with officials in Cahokia, IL that she had been detained. When asked by a reporter about the arrest, Ebony exclaimed:
“It’s grass!… I’ve never heard of being arrested for grass. Had I [known] that, hell, I would have gone back and chopped the grass off myself with something.”
In addition to shock over the unexpected arrest, Ebony also expressed surprise at the lack of regulation:
“I understand I violated a code. But take the channels, give me a ticket first. Make me appear in court. I know there’s gotta be channels other than ‘if you don’t cut your grass, we’re arresting you right now.’”
Ebony’s five kids were handed off to an inspector who remained outside the home during the brief detainment:
“I said ‘I don’t trust him [the enforcement code officer]. I don’t know him at all.’ To just leave my kids with him. And they still hauled me off”
The arrest also generated discussion on the 'Cahokia Community News' Facebook Page. Comments include:
“Other cities just fine you for it and will eventually cut your grass and send you the bill and put a lien on your home if you don't pay the bill. Cahokia Code Enforcement went WAY overboard.” ~Renee
“My next door neighbor's grass is much higher than hers and she doesn't get in trouble for it but then my neighbor is related to a Cahokia Code Enforcement officer too.” ~Renee
“I know they gave the people across the street from me 30 days to cut and get a large bush cut down but I thought it was a fine .....because thats the same thing they told the previous owner before them and he got fined and got it cut down.” ~Dominique
Ebony has an August court date for the lawn violation and arrest.
Click Here to watch a video of the story.
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