75 Years In Prison For WHAAAAAT!!?

It has been reported that an Illinois man named Michael Allison who dared defy town officials and fight them in court could be sentenced to 75 years in prison. What you say, did he do to deserve 75 years in prison? Here’s the story.

Reported as follows: Michael Allison is a car enthusiast who likes to work on and restore cars. Allison had several cars on his property and his mother’s property in the neighboring town. Both towns have eyesore laws that require inoperable cars to either be registered or kept in a garage. Allison refused to get rid of the cars and could not afford to build a garage.

In January 2010 Allison appeared in court to face charges that he had violated the car ordinance.  Allison had notified the courts that he would like a court reporter present during his hearing or he would record the proceedings himself.

In January 2010 Allison appeared in court before Judge Kimbara Harrell. When asked by Harrell “Is it (recording device) on?” Allison responded “yes”. The judge then notified the man that he was “violating” Harrell’s “right to privacy” and found him guilty of five counts of wiretapping. Each count has a penalty of 4 to 15 years. Prior to this Allison had sued the city of Bridgeport in 2007 arguing that the eyesore law violated his civil rights. During this time Allison also complained that he was being harassed by local police officers.