ST. LOUIS – A woman seen harassing a south St. Louis family in a viral video more than two years ago appeared in federal court on Thursday and pleaded guilty to interfering with the family’s housing rights.
Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Judy Kline, 55, broke into the family’s home in the Princeton Heights neighborhood on Jan. 5, 2022, while armed with a hammer.
According to court documents, Kline lived at the home decades prior and mistakenly believed her family still resided there.
Kline told the court she entered the basement, struck the dryer with the hammer, then charged up the stairs toward one of the residents. That person was able to close and lock the door before Kline reached the top of the stairs.
Kline exited the basement, walked around to the front of the home, and struck the front door with the hammer. She shouted for the Hispanic family living there to leave the property. Kline admitted in court that she intimidated or interfered with the family based on their race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or natural origin, making it a federal offense.
The homeowner’s eldest daughter shared the Ring security video on social media and lamented that nothing had been done to protect her family. That video, which allegedly shows Kline taking mail and sitting outside the residence overnight, went viral on TikTok.
A U.S. District Court judge sentenced Kline to five years of probation, which is the maximum term of probation for the crime. The judge ordered Kline to remain in the nursing home where she currently resides and is receiving mental health treatment, or in a similar facility.
Kline cannot contact the victims or go to the home where they live, the judge said.
At the sentencing hearing, Kline apologized for her actions and stated she is receiving ongoing help for her mental illness.
Meanwhile, Kline still faces charges in St. Louis Circuit Court for the same crime. Her case has been continued until September 12. Based on prior continuances, it is possible city prosecutors will let the matter go since it’s been adjudicated in federal court.
