Security cameras focus of seizure

Date: 12/3/2006
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Author: -

PENNS CREEK — A Penns Creek woman had security cameras and tapes seized from her home by state police Wednesday after admitting she was taping her neighbors' conversations without their knowledge.

Angela Fetter, 35, of 407 Walnut St., said she's had issues with her neighbors for three years, including harassment and vandalism.

Ms. Fetter, who had been previously cited as a result of the dispute, said she was advised by police to provide proof that her neighbors were shooting out her vehicle windows and damaging her property.

So she bought cameras and installed them in the windows inside her home. The images didn't capture all of her alleged tormenters' behavior, Ms. Fetter said, so she went out and purchased two $40 security cameras with built-in audio from Sam's Club last summer.

"See, on the box it says 'used everywhere,'" Ms. Fetter said, pointing at the photos on the box the cameras came in, indicating their use in public places such as a parking lot. "Nowhere does it say you're not allowed to use it outside. It even has instructions on how to hang it."

From July 2005 until last week, Ms. Fetter recorded many hours of activity in front of her home.

Then last Monday, police were called to Walnut Street by Ms. Fetter's neighbor who complained she was unable to move her vehicle after allegedly being boxed in by other cars.

When Trooper George Ritchey of the state police at Selinsgrove went to Ms. Fetter's for an explanation, he learned of her extensive camera and tape collection.

She openly admitted to taping the street and her neighbor's home and yard and voluntarily showed him the cameras with audio-taping capabilities.

Ms. Fetter's neighbor said she was not aware her voice was being recorded, police said.

On Wednesday, Trooper Ritchey showed up at Ms. Fetter's rented home with a warrant to seize recording equipment and tapes.

Ms. Fetter admits she's taped her neighbors for months and is shocked that she violated the law by installing a camera she legally purchased in Pennsylvania.

It turns out that ignorance of the law isn't a defense.

Pennsylvania is among 11 states that forbid surreptitious recording of audio.

"It's a wiretapping violation," Snyder County District Attorney Michael Sholley said. "You have to make it known to others they're being taped. Video is OK, but audio is not."

Cpl. Ryan Maxwell of the state police at Selinsgrove said the wiretap violation is listed under Chapter 57 of the crimes code.

"It specifies that you can't intercept anybody's voice without their consent," he said.

In Pennsylvania, it's a felony and anyone whose communications have been unlawfully intercepted can seek damages of $100 per day of violation or $1,000, whichever amount is greater, as well as punitive damages and recoup court costs.

Ms. Fetter hasn't been charged with a crime, as of yet, and the investigation continues.

"I can't afford an attorney," said the mother of two who lives on disability payments. "I was just trying to protect my kids and my things. The incidents did decline when I put the cameras up."

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