A Massachusetts beekeeper has been sentenced to six months in jail following a bizarre and dangerous attempt to halt a court-ordered eviction. Rebecca Woods, known as Rorie, utilized her beekeeping equipment to release swarms of bees against law enforcement officers in 2022.
The incident occurred at a Longmeadow residence where authorities were attempting to evict Alton King Jr., an elderly man undergoing cancer treatment. Woods arrived at the scene wearing a protective beekeeping suit to shield herself while she unleashed the insects.
The confrontation quickly escalated as the bees swarmed the deputies present at the property. One officer required hospitalization due to the severity of the stings received during the chaotic encounter.
Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of over 1,000 bees. The hives were severely disturbed during the struggle, leading to significant losses for the colony involved in the protest.
Woods, who has previously experienced her own housing struggles, claimed her actions were intended to prevent the humiliation of her friend. She argued that the eviction of an elderly, ill individual was an unjust act that required a drastic response.
Legal authorities viewed the situation differently, characterizing the act as a deliberate endangerment of public servants. The property in question was valued at approximately $1.9 million and had been the subject of a long-running foreclosure dispute.
The court ultimately found Woods guilty of assault and battery charges related to the incident. Her sentencing in April 2026 marks the conclusion of a case that has drawn significant attention to the intersection of housing activism and public safety.
This case highlights the growing tensions surrounding eviction enforcement in the state. While housing advocates often seek creative ways to protest, the use of biological hazards has raised serious questions about the boundaries of civil disobedience.
The incident remains a stark reminder of how property disputes can spiral into dangerous confrontations. As the legal proceedings conclude, the community continues to debate the balance between protecting vulnerable residents and upholding court mandates.