Criminal enforcement
In Central, Louisiana, Pastor Tony Spell was arrested on March 31, 2020, and faces six misdemeanor counts for holding six large church services over two weeks, violating Louisiana’s stay-at-home order, which prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people. City and state leaders had urged the pastor to suspend services in order to stem the spread of COVID-19 cases in the area.
In Charles County, Maryland, a man was arrested and held without bond after hosting two parties at his home. He was charged with two counts of violating the governor’s executive order, an offense punishable by up to one year of incarceration and a $5,000 fine.
Other examples include:
Paterson shooting victim charged with violating NJ’s coronavirus stay-at-home order Paterson, New Jersey | April 14, 2020
Enforcing stay-at-home order, Chicago police arrest 3 men while breaking up gathering to remember homicide victim Chicago, Illinois | April 9, 2020
8 arrested for violating social distancing orders Monsey, New York | April 9, 2020
Paddle boarder chased by boat, arrested in Malibu, after flouting coronavirus closures Malibu, California | April 3, 2020
Three Massachusetts men charged with violating RI executive order to play golf Richmond, Rhode Island | April 2, 2020
A Maryland man held a party at a hotel amid coronavirus. He now faces criminal charges. Baltimore, Maryland | April 1, 2020
New Jersey parents charged with child endangerment for holding party with around 50 guests Lakewood, New Jersey | March 31, 2020
Police arrest Florida pastor for holding church services despite stay-at-home order Hillsborough County, Florida | March 30, 2020
New York City Man Arrested for Running Speakeasy Where People Were Drinking and Gambling During Coronavirus Lockdown New York, New York | March 30, 2020
2 arrested, 70 cited for violating stay-at-home orders, Honolulu police say Honolulu, Hawaii | March 26, 2020
Orlando police arrest homeless man who violated curfew, affidavit says Orlando, Florida | March 23, 2020