[music playing]
NARRATOR: Next, we head to Ingham County,
Michigan, for the arraignment of Marlena Pavlos-Hackney.
The restaurant owner is in court for continuously violating
state food laws and public health orders
during the COVID pandemic.
Over several months, Pavlos-Hackney
defied emergency orders, including mask wearing and
social distancing guidelines.
The restaurant also remained open for dine-in service
during a state mandated shutdown.
At first, Pavlos-Hackney's food license was suspended.
Then the restaurant was ordered closed until a hearing.
When Pavlos-Hackney kept it open,
a bench warrant was issued and she was
arrested on her way to work.
Today, she's in circuit court, although, she's not alone.
Joining her is Richard Martin, founder of an organization
designed to help individuals defend
their rights against the court system, which they claim
is corrupt.
Martin is appearing as a legal aide for Pavlos Hackney,
but he does not have a law license.
And it's clear Judge Rosemary Vakulina has little patience
for the wannabe attorney.
JUDGE: [inaudible]?
NARRATOR: Martin has filed to appear before the court
as a licensed attorney, which he is not.
This gets him a scolding from the judge and a lot more.
JUDGE: Do not argue with me because what will happen
is you'll get another 93 days and then I'll start over.
Your rights remain intact, but for today's purposes,
you are under arrest for contempt of court, this court.
You may be escorted out.
Thank you.
NARRATOR: Martin is taken to jail to begin
his sentence of 93 days.
Failing to take a cue from Martin,
Pavlos-Hackney gets off on the wrong foot
by interrupting an already irritated judge.
Ma'am, I would rush you, if you
would like to go out of order, we'll
start this 93 days from now.
Please raise your right hand.
Do you swear or affirm the testimony
you're about to provide will be the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
under penalty of perjury?
Ma'am, ma'am, stop.
I know you want to control this room.
But this isn't Burger King.
When the sign changes to Burger King, you can have it your way.
But right now, this is my courtroom.
And you will answer my questions.
NARRATOR: Judge Vakulina tries a second time
to swear in the defendant.
[inaudible]
Ma'am, stop, do you promise to tell
the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth
under penalty of perjury?
Yes or no?
Are you going to tell the truth?
All right, I'll take that as silence.
I understand her attorney is on here.
Where is her attorney?
[inaudible]
Again, say anything again without telling me
you're going to tell her the truth
and I will hold you in contempt of court for 93 days.
You will not act disrespectful in this court.
Do you understand, ma'am?
You certainly may remain silent.
Where is your attorney?
NARRATOR: Finally, Pavlos-Hackney's
actual attorney Robert Baker joins the session via Zoom.
So your client has elected to not
be able to make a statement because she's
not taking the oath.
Do you wish to proceed or would you like to speak
with her before we proceed?
I would like to speak with her prior.
I'm not sure she understands what exactly is going on.
How much time do you need with her?
Maybe five minutes.
All right, we're going to find a way to make that happen.
NARRATOR: When they return, Pavlos-Hackney
is ordered to remain in jail.
Four days later, she's released after paying
over $30,000 in fines, closing the restaurant for good.
Though Pavlos Hackney continued working
with a lawyer hoping to get her license back to reopen.