South Carolina Woman Jailed for Having Messy Yard
A South Carolina woman’s messy yard landed her in jail for six days, and she was released this week.
Linda Ruggles, a 53-year-old photographer from Lowcountry, S.C., was warned numerous times to clean up her yard, according to Mt. Pleasant police. Back in September of last year, she was officially found guilty of a clean lot violation, which essentially meant police could arrest her if the yard remained as it was.
Authorities gave the woman an ultimatum: either pay a $480 fine, or spend 10 days in jail.
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When they approached the photographer to collect the fees, she told them about her economic woes; due to the state of the economy, Ruggles said, she didn’t have money to pay a fine or hire someone to fix her loose shingles and messy yard.
"I don't have $480. I didn't then. I still don't. I just got the house out of foreclosure. It took everything I could do. I sold my jewelry. I sold my car. I sold my silverware. I sold anything I could sell … and I got my job out of foreclosure," Ruggles told ABC News.
The officer that visited Ruggles’ home said he discussed options to help her make the property presentable, including finding neighborhood kids to help to clean up.
Police Chief Harry Sewell personally reached out to the woman, leaving his business card for her to call.
The police report said she “wasn’t interested,” and was continually defiant.
Dec. 14, 2011, after complaints from neighbors were issued about the mess, police decided to arrest the woman. They checked her house, but were unable to locate her.
Finally, Jan. 5, 2012, authorities decided to visit Ruggles’ job at Harris Teeter. When they saw the woman leaving the store, they immediately placed her under arrest.
After being released from jail, the woman was seen cleaning her yard with the help of Corey Ireland, a client of hers.
"I was just absolutely astonished and I'm a business owner myself and I have all the equipment and I figured at least I can come by and contribute and give back to the community," Ireland told ABC News.
