A Massachusetts beekeeper has been sentenced to six months in jail after releasing swarms of bees on sheriff's deputies who were attempting to evict an elderly friend with cancer. Rebecca Woods, 59, admitted that she freed the insects to thwart the eviction, though she initially claimed she was allowing them to enjoy the flowering landscape.
During the incident in Springfield, several deputies were stung on the head and face, with one requiring hospital treatment. Video footage shows deputies shouting as Woods opened the hives, and a struggle ensued as she was arrested. Approximately 1,000 of her bees died, many crushed when hives toppled or from stinging.
Woods was convicted on four misdemeanor counts of assault and battery and two counts of reckless assault, but acquitted of seven felonies. Her lawyer stated that Woods acted out of a desire to protect her friend from the humiliation of eviction, noting that the friend was in his 80s and undergoing cancer treatment.
The eviction proceeded, and the friend lost his home. Sheriff Nick Cocchi commented that the incident was unlike anything his team had experienced, but emphasized that the sheriff's office aims to help people through difficult situations.
