Show-Me State Times

A Missouri woman pleaded guilty on Thursday to interfering with the housing rights of a St. Louis family.

U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Judy Kline, 55, to five years of probation, the maximum term available for the crime. During this period, Kline must remain in the nursing home where she is currently living and undergoing mental health treatment or a similar facility. She is also prohibited from contacting the victims or approaching their house. According to court documents, Kline once lived in the home decades ago and mistakenly believed her family still resided there.

Kline admitted as part of her plea that on January 5, 2022, she broke into the victim family's home while armed with a hammer. She entered the basement, struck the dryer with the hammer, and then ran up the stairs towards one of the residents, who managed to close and lock the door before she reached the top of the stairs. Kline then exited the basement, approached the front of the house, and hit the front door and lock with the hammer. She shouted statements demanding that the Hispanic family leave their home. Kline admitted to intimidating or interfering with them based on their race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

During the hearing, Kline apologized and stated that she is receiving help for her mental illness.

The FBI and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug prosecuted it.