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Maritza Gonzalez, 50 of the 2100 block of Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, was convicted of stealing $83.23 worth of items from That Fish Place in Lancaster County Court on Feb. 15, the release shows.
The charge stemmed from a "retail theft and receiving stolen property for an incident occurring on Feb. 11, 2020. Gonzalez had entered the fish and pet store with someone who aided her in concealing and stealing betta fish food, flea and tick drops, dog pajamas, a dog sweater and dog boots, the DA's release shows citing charges filed by East Hempfield Township police officer John Mulligan.
When the jury returned with its verdict after about two hours of deliberations, "Gonzalez got out of her chair and starting yelling obscenities at the jury and attempted to strike her own attorney before deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office subdued her," the release states.
Judge Wright cleared the courtroom and Gonzalez was taken out of the back in order to calm down before sentencing was imposed, officials say.
It took her about an hour to claim down and apologize to her attorney, the release shows.
"In light of the sentencing guidelines and Gonzalez’ offensive behavior in the courtroom after the verdict was rendered, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Rall requested that a period of incarceration be imposed," the DA's office wrote in the release.
In the end, Judge Wright sentenced Gonzalez to three years of probation that can terminate in 18 months if all fines, costs, and restitution is paid, and she has no probation violations.
“Our office commends jurors, especially in this instance, as they provide an invaluable civic duty in upholding our justice system”, said District Attorney Heather Adams. “Outbursts such as this – directed specifically at jurors, counsel or anyone – are despicable and have no place in our courtrooms,” Adams added.
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