Court rules for woman who protested ticket

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Court of Appeals has overturned the conviction of a western Michigan woman who was Tasered and pepper-sprayed after protesting a traffic ticket in Hudsonville District Court. The Holland Sentinel says an Ottawa County jury convicted 36-year-old Mary E. Vandenberg in 2012 of resisting arrest and obstructing an officer. A judge gave her $548 in fines and fees. The appeals court threw out the conviction last Friday, saying the law under which she was convicted is "unconstitutionally vague and overbroad." Authorities say Vandenberg tried to pay a traffic fine using 145 dollar bills that she'd defaced with red and black markers. They say employees wouldn't accept the money, and officers escorted her out. Authorities say officers Tasered, pepper-sprayed and handcuffed her when she refused to leave the building. Published: Tue, Oct 07, 2014