posted 06-20-2001 10:06 AM            

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92-year-old jailed for verbal volleys

Mechanicville -- Woman arrested for second time on harassment charges

Like many older people, 92-year-old Theresa Cocozzo enjoys sitting on her front porch and people-watching.

That simple act, however, landed her in the city jail recently. Not once, but twice.

Police say Cocozzo has been unleashing abusive and offensive language at neighbors and passers-by and was arrested last week for the second time on harassment charges.

"She sits on the front porch and howls obscenities at the people across the street," said arresting officer Steve Barton.

Police Chief Joseph Waldron said, "It's been an ongoing problem for over a year now. She comes outside her house and calls people names. There's no physical contact. It's just ongoing conduct that's alarming and offensive to the neighborhood."

Cocozzo, who could not be reached for comment Monday, was brought to the police station by family members for booking last Thursday after City Judge Joseph Sheehan issued a warrant for her arrest. Her Saratoga Avenue neighbors had filed a complaint about her abusive language, Waldron said.

Cocozzo had been arrested under the same charge May 7, according to police.

She was arraigned last week in the city's public safety office because she couldn't climb the city court's steep stairs, according to Barton.

Cocozzo spent two hours in Saratoga County jail before being bailed out for $1,000 by her son, police said.

Barton said foul language led to Cocozzo's most recent arrest. The arrest report did not detail what profanity was allegedly used.

Waldron, who became police chief Monday, said Cocozzo has relatives who have actively tried to assist her, but that she is a very "independent" woman and continues to support herself.

Cocozzo is due back in court on June 27.

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posted 06-20-2001 10:37 AM            

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