This case is a frightening example of
what can happen when a photographer encounters ignorant bullies with
badges. According to the complaint filed in Federal Court, Nancy
Genovese, a mother of three, was driving home on County Road 31 past
Gabreski Airport in Suffolk County. Gabreski Airport displays a
decorative helicopter shell by the roadway to the public, which is
visible to all who pass by.
Nancy Genovese stopped her car on the
side of the road across the street from the airport in an area that is
open and accessible to the public, and crossed over the road to the
airport entryway that is also open and accessible to the public to take a
picture of the helicopter display. While still in her car, she took a
picture of the decorative helicopter shell with the intention of posting
it on her personal “Support Our Troops” web page.
As Nancy Genovese was preparing to drive
away, she was stopped and approached by Robert Iberger, a lieutenant
with the Southampton Town Police. Lieutenant Iberger demanded to know
why she was taking photographs. Nancy showed the lieutenant her camera,
but Lieutenant Iberger grabbed her camera and handled it “without care”.
In an attempt to prevent the lieutenant from damaging the camera, Nancy
removed her memory card, which Lieutenant Iberger confiscated. To date,
Nancy’s memory card still has not been returned to her.
Lieutenant Iberger demanded that Nancy
remain where she is, and he refused to allow her to leave. At this time,
Lieutenant Iberger notified the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the
authorities at Gabreski Airport of Nancy’s presence outside the
airport, and falsely and wrongfully informed them that she posed a
terrorist threat...
Related article...
Wrongly arrested photographer Nancy Genovese may get $70 million settlement
- [Examiner.com]
