ACORN Filmmakers Giles, O’Keefe Sued in Philadelphia Federal Court
by PubliusFrom America’s Right:
Hannah Giles and James O’Keefe III, the independent filmmakers behind the series of videos which swept the nation in 2009 and exposed internal corruption and illegality within ACORN Housing Corporation, were sued today in federal court in Philadelphia by an ACORN employee featured in one of the pair’s films.
The plaintiff is Katherine Conway-Russell, a Philadelphia resident who has worked for ACORN since March 2008 as an office director. It was Conway-Russell who met with Giles and O’Keefe, posing as a prostitute and pimp as they had in ACORN offices nationwide during other installments of the undercover video series, for a private interview in her office at ACORN’s facility in Philadelphia on July 24, 2009. This is the first such suit filed against the filmmakers by an individual ACORN employee.
The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, claims that the Giles and O’Keefe “purportedly sought information regarding housing and mortgage opportunities in Philadelphia, but were in reality imposters who deliberately and surreptitiously created video and audio recordings in an attempt to discredit plaintiff Conway-Russell and ACORN Housing Corporation,” and that they subsequently “disseminated the illegally obtained recordings in a manner calculated to harm and injure” Katherine Conway-Russell.
Conway-Russell alleges that the actions of Giles and O’Keefe ran afoul of Pennsylvania Law and, indeed, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania all parties to a conversation must be aware of and consent to any recording. According to 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5703, it is a felony of the third degree to intentionally intercept, endeavor to intercept, or get any other person to intercept any wire, electronic, or oral communication without the consent of all the parties.
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233 Comments
Such a crock of ACORN BS.
This should be an interesting case. I hope they get to bring up all the goodies about ACORN!
it is all about political correctness. somebody got suuuppressededed.
Can't wait for the Discovery phase.
The people over there at Americas Right are good. The guy who runs the site, Jeff Schrieber, is a lawyer I think with some access to the court in Philadelphia, so it should be interesting to see how the reporting progresses over there.
God bless James and Hannah. I hope they know we're all with them.
I think that if I were ACORN……
I would try to let this fade away……..
BUT SEEING THAT I'M A CONSERVATIVE……..
HEY ACORN BRING IT…………
LET'S HOPE THIS REALLY GETS ROLLING……….
IN TIME FOR THE NOVEMBER 2010 MID-TERMS.
You had to expect it. I’m sure ACORN’s scummy lawyers picked the best venue, so let the next phase begin. You two kids have millions of supporters, don’t forget it. You are the press, and fit any real definition of investigative reporting, use their own shtick against them.
I was just about to suggest that but you bet me to it. I would hope there would plenty of conservative attorneys that would take this case pro bone ACORN. Otherwise, I would contribute.
I would like to know, why haven't they been charged with, Exposing the Truth!
These two's trial should be just after the New Black Panther members with sticks outside the polling booth. That too is on film.
Here you go,
http://biggovernment.com/acorn/
Well hopefully this case gets resolved quickly, then the unedited, raw tape can be released (if it's not evidence in another lawsuit). ACORN will probably try to bleed them to death with legal costs. That's why a lot of cases are settled. Hopefully there was enough money donated to the legal funds for them to fight until the bitter end.
Welcome to the Big Time kids.
We all knew this was coming.
Discovery should prove rather interesting.
It will open ACORN up to a whole host of interesting probes.
Exposing their sordid underbelly.
I sure am glad I saved my Haitian Earthquake Victims dollars, for a more worthy cause.
I'll gladly donate to the Hannah and James Legal Defense Fund.
I cant wait to see what discovery brings to the table. This is going to be fun to watch.
Hanna, James, millions around the world support you.
Just another ACORN opportunist trying to pick up some cash. Just wait until Holder gets involved. This will expose the AG for what he really is despite the fact that we already know. America is just pissed off enough to say 'Enough is enough'.
Acorn people are shift-changers. New names, new faces and same agenda. Holloween costumes. Same evil at the core. You go Hannah and Giles, do not give up exposing the beast.
Hannah, and James, you are true heroes!..You
exposed a gang of thugs and cheats that were
posing as a legitimate organization, and all they
are is a bunch of Democrat patsies.I never heard
of them until you exposed them…..Good Luck to you!!
I think you are meaning "shape shifters".
That is a real phenomenon, on the Rez………
Um wheres the freaking ACLU to come to their aid? I think I will call their offices tomorrow morning.
I don't contribute to them but I suggest anyone who does should stop doing so unless they aggressively defend these heroes.
And we all should give what we can to their defense also.
Go Hannah and James! Illegitimi non carborundum!
Geez Cowboy..you are so right…I did mean shape-shifters. Haven;t had any sleep in 36 hrs…. therefore I shouldn't comment on anything. Tomorrow is another day.
You're a real creep.
Are you registered?
If you’re gonna play with yourself or something kinky, we don’t wanna know!
From blatant arrogance to unmitigated gall. The LooterCrats have NO shame at all!
Hopefully Coakley will prosecute
Please get 1 conservative judge!
Yeah, citizens taking their own initiative and exposing criminal use of our tax dollars–THAT'S the problem. We got to put an end to that.
In a sane world they'd have Pulitzers by now.
Can you say…Supena duces tecum?
I can't wait to see which law firm comes out working for the plaintiff. Follow the money!!
Ya, that should be fun. This could get very interesting
Yes.
And in bizzaro world, they'd be dragged through the court system and fined or imprisoned to serve as an example to other people who would dare to expose that kind of corruption.
Oh… wait.
See above post reply from 1sttofight: http://biggovernment.com/acorn/
I wouldn't be surprised if the discovery phase is enough to get ACORN and their surrogate to back down.
"Discovery?" Doesn't that only apply to Giles and O'Keefe? That couldn't apply to ACORN should it?
./snark off!!!!
All right, it looks like it getting close to game time. We all knew this was coming & or prayers with you.
AG Holder might not be around………..looks like he'll be left holding the bag
over the interrogation of the Christmas underwear bomber.
Well, there's nothing like opening up ACORN's files in court for all the world to see and hear. In the words of the late, great Taco Bell Chiwawa: "Bring it!"
0Honest people hate being sued. The good part is what comes out in requests for production. I suspect the clowns will fade before a jury sees the case.
A lot depends on what the judge lets in & his instructions for the press.
We already know ACORN is a crook, so discovery only need apply to Hannah and James since they are not proven to be crooks! lol
–it is a felony of the third degree to intentionally intercept, endeavor to intercept, or get any other person to intercept any wire, electronic, or oral communication without the consent of all the parties.–
They did not intercept anything. They were in the conversation no 'interception' took place.
Why aren't these ACORN criminals caught on tape breaking the law in jail? Why aren't those responsible for prosecuting them fired for not doing their job? Oh wait, that'll happen in November. It's not enough to just oust them, they must serve time! We must demand that!
You can't discover what has been shredded or…
Put in the dumpster.
The ACORN offices new that this was coming and no doubt "culled" any questionable evidence that would not support their narrative. Do not expect to get much, my money says that national Acorn "specialists and trainers" visited these offices before the complaints were filed. Discovery phase won't turn up anything they don't want found, unless a brave whistleblower comes forward.
Think they'll allow cameras in the courtroom? LMAO
You8 heard it here first; watch as this unfolds. ACORN will get their head handed to them on a platter. This is the dumbest thing a career, criminal, racketeering, organization could ever do.
It would be akin to John Gotti suing Rudy Guiliani, when Rudy was Prosecutor in New York during the Mafia war trials of the early 90's.
ACORN, in allm their infinite wisdom,just screwed themselves, and tacked their own pelt to the barn door, for all the world to see. Of course, they had to do it, in an attempt to "save face".
I caint wait until Bertha Lewis, Wade Rathke, and Dale Rathke get served supbeonas to give depositions.
Now THAT, would be something worth paying the price of admission to witness!
Get a look at the LOSERS who are representing the plantiff.
http://www.krlawphila.com/
They look like ACLU don't they.
So there isn't ANY undercover reporting done by the MSM where they film/record people in Philly? Really?!
Any of ya'll from the City of brotherly love ever seen what I'm talking about? Just wondering…
Discovery is applied to all parties.
I would love to know if Katherine Conway-Russell, ya gotta love those hyphenated names, has ever help someone set up an illegal business, or taught anyone how to be a tax cheat.
I hate lawyers. They will sell their soul for money. Defend 9/11 terrorists, OJ, Prosecute these people, Mass murderers whatever. And they always defend it with the same bullshit. They have to make sure all have there rights are defended. When it is all about fame for them or money. I always wonder what they do to normal people with a conscience in law school that turns them into sociopaths. Oh yeah what are most of the scum in DC? Lawyers .
Weird for you to react that way – you in the closet or something? Brown dirt cowboy?
Check out this new blog – David Bellavia is nominated for the Medal of Honor for his bravery in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also wrote the book "House to House: An Epic Memoir of War" http://www.DavidBellavia.com
Why would YOU, make that comment to me ?
Don't think you will bait me, with one of your imbecilic diatribes, you won't. My hide is tough enough, that there is nothing from a perverted juvenille delinquint such as yourself, that would even partially rile me.
I like satire, and humor, better than most.
Your original comment here, had nothing to do with wit, satire, humor, or nothing of the kind. It just showed your true character, or lack thereof.
Don't come crawling back here, crawfishing, slithering on your belly, trying to twist out of what you said. Your comment about that girl was tasteless, and you are lucky this is cyber-la-la-land, or you'd get beat bloody with a wet rope.
It's about time for DHasselhoff to show up with his "Jew Conspiracy Theory".
Talk about the Law Firm of "Dewey, Cheatum & Howe"!
Yowza!
This woman should be IN PRISON.,
Conway-Russell incriminated herself when she gave illegal advice on behalf of her employer and she wants to bring litigation against whom? ACON should bring litigation against Conway-Russell for giving bad advice and then give Thanks to Giles and O'Keefe.
Undoubtedly they chose a venue with a progressive, activist judge willing to listen to how Giles and O'Keefe went after this woman, with no thoughts beyond ruining her life.
No, dummy, it was ACORN they were after – it's your own fault for engaging in criminal behavior. Federal whistleblower laws should apply here. If they don't, make it one! These people should NOT have to face charges for exposing widespread corruption and criminal behavior.
And ACORN will be prosecuting with what? TAXPAYER MONEY!!!
Time to get ACORN taken down.
We should all call the lawfirm, and let them know of our disgust, This Country is going to hell, in a hand basket, Navy Seals on trial, for capturing terrorist, Acorn being exposed for corruption, from the East to West coast, and the good doers pay the price, why are we living by the laws of justice, when the only ones that are exempt are the bad guys. Time to speak out, Time to make the calls, time to flood their lines if nothing else.
good luck with that lawsuit, ACORN lady.
Conway-Russell, pick a last name. Man, I hate hyphenated last names. Seems so pretentious….
Not pretentious.
Just Afro-centric.
Don't expect anything out of discovery. Unlike most corporations in litigation who understand that documents have to be preserved, I expect ACORN will hide, destroy or otherwise not make available documents requested during discovery.
If this is a personal lawsuit, I don't know what info about ACORN if any can be gleaned during discovery. This could be a ploy on the part of ACORN. My bet is ACORN is funding this lawsuit for the plaintiff as I don't expect any employee of ACORN at this level has such money. There may be some tell in their choice to file it in Federal Court but I am not law savvy enough to know what that may be. Perhaps there is a Law Hawk reading this who might be able to address this.
I guess the question is, is it okay to commit a crime to expose an even greater crime? Probably not but ACORN going after these two is the pot calling the kettle black and will most likely expose more of their own criminal misdeeds in the process. Their pursuing this just shows how stupid they are.
And don't forget they cheat on their wives, steal dirty baby diapers and lie through their teeth after getting caught within an inch of the Presidency.
No, he has some things you don't have: common decency and morals.
(…any of your comments that haven't been deleted will reveal that.)
I think its high time you found someone else to bother…
Everyone, its time to ban the Fonzie…
Drag out every thing available on the criminals in ACORN. Someone should station themselves outside every ACORN building and photo everyone coming and going. Post on Facebook or elsewhere on the net. Burn the fools with their own actions. Some of those visiting will most likely also be on Americas most wanted or the post office wall.
The ACLU is busy protecting the civil rights of the Taliban and Al Queda, who are taking a pounding from the Hellfire missiles launched by a Predator drones.
Diversity jurisdiction? Giles and O'Keefe do not reside in Pennsylvania.
The crux of the matter.
Note to james and Hannah's lawyers: I hear it's best to soak ACORNs to leach out the tannins before grinding them into meal.
Where can we contribute to their defense fund?
You know…. when you're right, you're really right! *donates*
We need to give those two kids every ounce of support we can muster. They have done a great service for this country, in exposing entrenched, burecratic corruption of the most sordid sort. An evil so vile, so subtle, so surreptious, that it has shaped and molded the very fabric of our society, and is emblematic of government at its worst.
Charity begins at home. Before I'd send ten cents to Haiti, I'd give my last dollar to those kids. It is high time we began taking care of our own.
notice that Acorn waited till they could shred or throw away any damning evidence that could prove embarrassing in discovery
Boy, the outcome of this case could effect investigative journalists (most of whom are leftists) for decades to come. I hope all journalists come to these kids defense. But I wouldn't hold my breath waiting. And by the way, is recording something "intercepting it???????"
Next thing you know, Obama will be ordering Hannah and James to undergo military tribunals for their "crimes," while any charges filed against the ACORN employees (to date, NONE) will be dismissed in civilian court.
"Discover" the crap out of these lying bastards. Run a background on this bastard doing the suing. Sonsabitches.
Bring in the f*cking Black Panthers who terrorized the Philly voters, too. Can I say that? "F*cking Black Panthers."
that takes guts to get caught violating the law in aiding in loan fraud, under age prostitution, and tax fraud and think it is a good idea to sue. IT is quite clear that they are not afraid of what people think and that they have the democrats in their back pocket, willing to keep them funded and up and running no matter what.
IT is all in the dumpsters, land fills or shed bins by now.
Pennsylvania Law but Federal Court? That doesn't make sense.
This was in a public place – the Acorn offices? As I recall the video shows it was being discussed right out in the main office area or in a conference room WITH THE DOOR WIDE OPEN.
I don' t think there was any expection of Privacy.
Also -does this apply to the press as well? Wouldn't that a violation of freedom of the press?
What would the world be like if they really did kill all the lawyers???
Two words. Obama, Holder.
This is going to take some really, really Brave Individuals.
You yous'ed to breed them like rabbits'.
I don't expect this to go very far. Given the discovery phase of the case, ACORN would be required to open all the books of the Philly office to the defendants. Anything that is missing would be easy to determine because the logic of the paper trail would give it away. Also, they would probably find connections to the national organization which could trigger RICO laws in New Orleans and then the Federal level after that. This goes to the rules for radicals in that ACORN is trying to intimidate the three defendants into disappearing anyway. Finally, given the Supreme Court ruling on McCain/Fiengold today, the test for the first amendment protection has been made even stronger. This shows that the court is inclined to protect the bill of rights at the individual level first, and then the state level, next.
What am I missing here? If no corrupt and illegal conduct had been recorded then ACORN might have a case. Consider the video cameras installed on city streets and in myriad locations watching for wrongdoers. The prisons are full of crooks that didn't know they were being taped.
Why aren't these two hacks in prison yet? They are the only two caught on tape breaking the law and it was their OWN FREAKIN' TAPE!!! How many ways can you spell 'DUH"?
They will not go to jail and ACORN plaintiff will not see a penny. As this progresses, the courts will see that thugs in South Central are not the only ones who can cause problems when perceived injustice occurrs. The sparks of a major fire are already beginning and it would not take much to SET IT OFF!
Good to know. Thanks!
Can you say that?
I think it is the only way to describe the "F*cking Black Panthers"!
I know they condone violence for their agenda and to tell you the truth, I hope they bring it on. I'm so tired of intimidation and bullying. Either get it on or get the hell out of our country you so hate!
Interesting to note that a piece of investigative journalism, especially of an organisation which receives taxpayer funds, becomes an effort to inflict "harm and injury".Only in the mind of a Liberal."Liberalism is a mental disorder". End of debate …………………. Hanzo
Americans demand cameras in this venue, also.
Ever heard of "investigative journalism"? I guess that's not to be found in your 'Encyclopedia of Knowledge', ha ha. Maybe investigative journalism should only be practiced by the moonbatty left, correct? Your avatar says it all, I'm surprised you'd even dare to comment on this article, but exhibiting a cognitive thought process has never been your strong point…………………. Hanzo
South Central? I thought it was in Philadelphia? Boy, you're quite the geography and legal eagle huh? Yeah…support like that? They're doomed!
Utopia?
"Ever heard of "investigative journalism"?" — Yeah! Performed by actual journalists who don't tape themselves breaking the law. Don't need an encyclopedia to point out that epic stupidity do ya?
Yeah, he'll probably order them to be waterboarded and sent to Gitmo……………… Hanzo
Or in the immortal words of the Wendy's granny, "Where's the beef"?
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