BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas county judge has sentenced a television reporter to three days in jail for recording a hearing in a homicide case.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren sentenced KNWA reporter Nkirurka Omeronge on Tuesday. Karren found her in contempt of court during Mauricio Torres’ capital murder proceedings last month.
Omeronge says she recorded the proceedings simply to take notes to ensure accuracy. Omeronge also testified that she’s worked at stations in St. Paul and Phoenix where reporters could make audio recordings in courtrooms.
The Arkansas Supreme Court bars any recordings without the judge’s consent.
Omeronge’s attorney contends his client did not intend to defy the court’s ruling.
Omeronge is slated to start serving her sentence Wednesday.
