Woman 'Humiliated' By Arrest For Missing Jury Duty

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) - A 64-year-old woman was in her pajamas when deputies arrived. A few hours later, Lydia Bell was in handcuffs at a jail.

Her offense? Missing jury duty in Traverse City two years ago. Bell was shocked by the arrest: She wasn't living in Michigan when a jury summons was sent by mail.

Bell explained it to a Grand Traverse County judge on April 7. Judge Philip Rodgers still ordered her to pay $50.

Bell said the experience still stings. She tells The Associated Press she felt "humiliated."

She moved to Oregon from Grand Traverse County in 2011 but says the jury notice wasn't forwarded. Bell now lives in De Witt, near Lansing.

County Clerk Bonnie Scheele says members of a jury pool must notify the court if they move.

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