http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20100123_ACORN_worker_files_suit_against_filmmakers_on_taping.htmlACORN worker files suit against filmmakers on tapingAn ACORN Housing Corp. employee has launched a suit against a pair of independent filmmakers who secretly recorded a meeting with her while they posed as a pimp and prostitute.
Katherine Conway-Russell, office manager at ACORN's Philadelphia branch, claimed that James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles attempted to entrap her into giving "inappropriate counseling" while violating Pennsylvania wiretapping laws.
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According to the suit, O'Keefe first tried to make an appointment for advice about running an election campaign. When he was rebuffed, O'Keefe then asked for help on a mortgage issue. Again, he was refused an appointment.
Minutes later, the suit says, O'Keefe and Giles arrived asking for housing and mortgage advice.
Conway-Russell saw them in her office and told them "she could only provide information regarding mortgage possibilities and could not assist them in any other matters."
The suit does not go into detail about the conversation. But it states that Conway-Russell did not know their conversation was being recorded and never gave her permission to be recorded.
In Pennsylvania, when a conversation or telephone call is recorded, all parties must consent.As the meeting came to a close, Conway-Russell became "concerned about statements made during the interview," and asked a colleague to call police. Another ACORN employee filed a complaint accusing O'Keefe of making an oral disturbance.
The suit is the first to be filed against the filmmakers by an individual ACORN employee.