Sheriff Threatens Teen With Jail If She Doesn't Delete Her COVID 19 Post

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Amyiah Cohoon posted on her Instagram page that she believes she contracted Coronavirus while on a trip with her high school band. They went to Florida in early March but returned to Wisconsin on March 15, earlier than planned, because of the coronavirus outbreak.

She says she got really sick 5 days later on March 20th. She tried riding it out at home but went to the hospital on March 25th. She tested negative, but doctors told her she likely had had the illness but tested too late to get a positive result.

In her Instagram post she took a selfie with an oxygen mask on and said "I am still on breathing treatment but have beaten the coronavirus. Stay home and be safe".

2 days later Sheriff Joseph Konrath sent a Sargent to their home who told Amyiah's father his orders were "get the latest Instagram post deleted or start taking people to jail”. according to the lawsuit. The Sargent said the family could be cited for disorderly conduct as well.

The Sheriff said "we have zero confirmed cases in this county and this girl is lying to the public and spreading fear". Westfield schools District Administrator Bob Meicher sent an update to parents saying there was “no truth to a rumor that a student had contracted coronavirus during the band trip. This was a foolish means to get attention and the source of the rumor has been addressed. This rumor has caught the attention of our Public Health Department and she was involved in putting a stop to this nonsense. In times like this, the last thing we need out there is misinformation.”

So now the Cohoon family is suing the school district and Sheriff's department. The attorney for the Sheriff say "This case is nothing more than a 2020 version of screaming fire in a crowded theater".

The attorney for the family says they are seeking an injunction barring the sheriff from arresting, jailing or citing the family for engaging in free speech.


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