'100s' Of Cockroaches Released During Arraignment In Albany Court

ALBANY, NY — Things got a little buggy in Albany City Court on Tuesday when someone released hundreds of cockroaches during a court proceeding, according to authorities.

During an arraignment of four people for a previous arrest at the Capitol, Clyanna Lightbourn, 34, began filming proceedings in the courtroom, according to a courts spokesman.

She was told to stop, and during the continuing altercation, hundreds of cockroaches that were brought into the courthouse in plastic containers were released, authorities said.

The courthouse was closed for the remainder of the day for fumigation.

Lightbourn was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence (a felony), obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and second-degree criminal contempt (misdemeanors), and disorderly conduct (a violation).

According to the Times Union, Lightbourn was not identified as the person who released the cockroaches.

She and the three others at the arraignment were arrested in May while objecting to state rent issues.

Unified Court System spokesman Lucian Chalfen said the investigation is continuing and others may be charged.

"What transpired is not advocacy or activism, it is criminal behavior with the intent to disrupt a proceeding and cause damage," he said in a statement sent to Patch.

Restitution will be sought for the costs of the cleanup as "taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for these actions," Chalfen said.

The office of the Albany County District Attorney released a statement about the disturbance, saying court proceedings Tuesday were moved to a virtual format and an exterminator was brought in to clear the area.

"While the incident remains under investigation, the Office of the District Attorney would like to emphasize that while the right to protest is protected, we oppose the disruption of court proceedings, and the apparent display of disrespect shown to the court," the statement said.