Matthew Bartlett, a spectator at the State v. Casey Anthony trial, was arrested Thursday in the courtroom, after being held in contempt of court.
Bartlett, 28, was seen extending his middle finger, which he said was towards Prosecutor Jeff Ashton, while court was in session and the attorney was at the podium. Bartlett was demanded to step forward to the podium himself and in live-stream footage was scolded by Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr.
Perry raised a sign that is posted outside of the courtroom, entailing a rule of the court. The text read, “Any gesture, facial expression or audible comments showing approval or disapproval during a court proceeding is absolutely prohibited,” and Bartlett admits to reading it and hearing a deputy announcing the same rules aloud.
Bartlett mostly remained quiet, but continuously apologized to the judge, describing his actions as “stupid.”
“I’m truly sorry for doing this,” said Bartlett. “This is something stupid and I’m not sure why I even did it … I don’t understand why I did it.”
The spectator explained Ashton did not do or say anything to provoke him to raise his finger at him, nor did he look down on the prosecutor.
“I don’t think lowly of Mr. Ashton,” explained the delinquent.
Judge Perry asked the gentleman whether the jury was in the room at the time, to which he replied, “Yes.” He was also asked if he knew what the consequences might have been had a juror witnessed his action. Bartlett replied that he did not know.
Bartlett, who works as a server at T.G.I. Fridays at the Mall of Millenia, is forced pay a $400 fine and $223 in court fees. Perry explained to the 28-year-old that taxpayers have spent a lot of money to have the trial.
“Your actions may have jeopardized or could jeopardize all of the work that the attorneys have done in this particular case,” asserted Judge Perry. Bartlett said he understood.
Karen Levey, Chief of Due Process, received the still photograph of the individual partaking in the indecent behavior, which was sent to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. She explained why the regulations are crucial and why all onlookers are to abide by in the courthouse.
“It is critical that quiet and order be maintained at all times to ensure the litigant’s rights to a fair and impartial proceeding,” said Levey. “There shall be no gestures or facial expressions suggesting approval or disapproval during the proceedings.”
Bartlett, who says he has never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, was found guilty of criminal contempt and charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to six days in the Orange County jail. He plans on appealing his sentence.
