Washington D.C. – In a shocking display of disregard for reproductive rights, Paula Paulette Harlow, a 75-year-old resident of Kingston, Massachusetts, was given a 24-month prison sentence for her role in a conspiracy that blocked access to a local reproductive health care clinic.
On October 22, 2020, Harlow joined forces with Lauren Handy, Jonathan Darnel, John Hinshaw, William Goodman, Jean Marshall, Joan Bell, Herb Geraghty, Heather Idoni, and others to blockade the clinic in Washington D.C.
The blockade involved forcefully entering the clinic, setting up barriers using furniture, chains, and ropes, and live-streaming their activities on Facebook. The group’s actions were in direct violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits the use of physical obstruction to interfere with clinic employees and patients.
This is not Harlow’s first time behind bars. She is the 10th member of the conspiracy to be sentenced on charges of civil rights conspiracy and FACE Act violations. Eight other defendants were sentenced earlier this month, with some receiving prison sentences ranging from 10 to 57 months.
Prior to Harlow’s sentencing, another defendant, Jay Smith, pleaded guilty to violating the FACE Act in March 2023 and was sentenced to 10 months in prison and three years of supervised release in March 2023.
The evidence presented in court showed that the defendants traveled from various northeast and midwestern states to participate in the clinic blockade, which was directed by Handy and broadcast on Facebook.
With this latest sentencing, the full extent of the conspiracy is slowly unraveling, and those involved are facing the consequences for their actions. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the defendants willfully disregarded the law and the rights of reproductive health care workers and patients.
Paula Paulette Harlow, 75, of Kingston, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 24 months incarceration for her role in a federal civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances offenses.
Defendant Information:
- Defendant: Paula Paulette Harlow
- Age: 75
- City and State: Kingston, Massachusetts
- Exact Date: May 14, 2024
- Sentence: 24 months incarceration
Other Defendants:
- Lauren Handy, Alexandria, VA, found guilty of felony conspiracy against civil rights and violation of the FACE Act on August 29, 2023, sentenced to 57 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on May 14, 2024.
- John Hinshaw, Levittown, NY, found guilty of felony conspiracy against civil rights and violating the FACE Act on August 29, 2023, sentenced to 21 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on May 14, 2024.
- William Goodman, Bronx, NY, found guilty of felony conspiracy against civil rights and violating the FACE Act on August 29, 2023, sentenced to 27 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on May 14, 2024.
- Jay Smith, Freeport, NY, pleaded guilty to violating the FACE Act on March 1, 2023, sentenced to 10 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on August 17, 2023.
- Jonathan Darnel, Arlington, VA, found guilty of felony conspiracy against civil rights and violating the FACE Act on September 15, 2023, sentenced to 34 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on May 15, 2024.
- Jean Marshall, Kingston, MA, found guilty of felony conspiracy against civil rights and violating the FACE Act on September 15, 2023, sentenced to 24 months incarceration and three years of supervised release on May 15, 2024.
- Joan Bell, Montague, NJ, found guilty of felony conspiracy against civil rights and violating the FACE Act on September 15, 2023, sentenced to an unspecified term.
Related Federal Cases
- Melvin Anthony Turner, Second-Degree Burglary, District of Columbia 2016 · Connecticut
- Jesse Green III, Carjacking, District of Columbia 2017 · Massachusetts
- Ernest McEachin, CVS Theft, District of Columbia 2024 · District of Columbia
- Montello Washington, Armed Carjacking, District of Columbia 2023 · Massachusetts
- Karim Clayton, Enhanced Second-Degree Theft, District of Columbia 2024 · District of Columbia
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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