Press Release  Lynn Woman Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights and Assault Charges

Swampscott, MA — A Lynn woman pleaded guilty today in Lynn District Court for a racial incident outside of The Cookie Monstah in Swampscott last year.

Rhonda Wozniak, 61, of Lynn pleaded guilty to eight counts of civil rights violation and eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.  On the evening of July 28, 2020 three black women and their five children were returning to their cars after visiting The Cookie Monstah on Paradise Road in Swampscott.  Suddenly, Wozniak, who is white, came speeding toward them in her motor vehicle, nearly hitting them.  When one of the women asked her to slow down, she shouted racial insults and slurs at them and told them to go back where they belong.  One of the children asked their mother, “where do we belong?”  

Essex Assistant District Attorney Jenn Capone recommended a guilty finding and a period of probation for one year and 100 hours of community service.  The defense requested that the case be continued without a finding for six months.  The three adult victims provided statements to the Court on the crime’s impact on them and their children, who ranged from age 5 to 12 at the time of the incident.

 Judge Jean Curran sentenced her to nine months of probation during which she must perform 40 hours of community service, stay away from and have no contact with the victims, and seek or maintain employment.

 “The defendant’s action were harmful and offensive, not only to the victims, but also to the community at large,” said District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.  “I am thankful to the Swampscott Police and my staff who ensured that the victims were heard and that the defendant was held accountable for her criminal behavior.”

 Swampscott Police conducted an investigation and were able to identify Wozniak through the license plate of her motor vehicle that was captured on video filmed by one of the victims and surveillance video from a nearby store. 

 The defendant was represented by Attorneys Doug Ryan and Joe Simons.

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