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Local Community Activist Charged With Harassment

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Jul 24, 2008 9:04 pm US/Eastern

Local Community Activist Charged With Harassment

Reporting
Paul Martino
BRIDGEVILLE (KDKA) ― When something is wrong in your neighborhood, naturally you would complain to local leaders.

However, officials in Bridgeville say Marshall Pappert took it way too far.

He ended up being convicted of harassment and is fighting back with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Pappert sent dozens of letters and then angry phone calls while he was trying to fight a concrete plant across the street from his home.

Two years ago, the air pollution control device at the plant stopped working and it meant big problems for Pappert and his neighbors.

"It was difficult to breathe and more," said Pappert. "Chemical burn problems on my skin, I got pictures of that and acute airways disease. It has been a nightmare."

The plant was cited and fined $1,400.

But that didn't clear up the noise and dust problems or the damaged street.

So Pappert's neighbors appointed him their spokesperson.

He tried to get help from Bridgeville Borough.

He even has tapes and pictures to prove there's a real problem with the concrete plant.

After writing dozens of unanswered letters, Pappert called Bridgeville Borough Manager Lori Collins and left an angry message.

"I wanted to plead with Lori Collins to do the right thing and step down because we have sick people on the street, and when I got on the answering machine, I got fired up," said Pappert.

Collins, who declined to be interviewed, charged Pappert with harassment and he was convicted, but the ACLU claims he has a right to get angry with borough officials.

It's his first amendment right.

"He didn't use profanity, didn't threaten anyone," said ACLU Attorney Bruce Boni. "He was angry, frustrated, yes, sure, that's fine, but there is nothing that would rise to the level of criminal behavior here."

The borough solicitor declined to talk to KDKA on camera, but he said he has been barraged with letters.

Pappert is continuing to write more letters while his case is pending appeal to the Superior Court.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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