Criminal Justice

Lawyer Charged With Handshake Assault

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A Florida lawyer whose husband was in court for a probation violation has been charged with assault for allegedly injuring the prosecutor’s shoulder in an over-the-top handshake.

Kathy Brewer Rentas spent a night in jail and was ordered to get a psychological evaluation, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

The arrest report said Brewer Rentas followed Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keene after the hearing and insisted on shaking her hand. It alleges Brewer Rentas “forcefully grabbed” Keene’s hand, made an up-and-down motion, and almost pulled her to the ground, the newspaper says.

Brewer Rentas’ lawyer, Gwendolyn Tuggle, said her client did not intend to cause any harm.

A hat tip to Above the Law, which posted the story.

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