Homeless Street Preacher Charged With Trespass

Today's Palm Beach Post reports on the latest trespassing arrest of Michaelene Cooney, a homeless street preacher. Her latest of 18 trespassing arrests occurred after she insisted on preaching under the archway at the Palm Beach County, Florida, Courthouse instead of moving onto the sidewalk. Judge Barry Cohen released her on her own recognizance and set a trial date of March 12. He said, however, that even if convicted she would not go to jail. Cohen announced, "I don't want her housed in jail. She's not a criminal". He also said that eliminating the possibility of jail time means that she will not be entitled to a public defender and will not tie up resources.