Judge tosses charges against Mifflin Streaker

By Pete Bosak

BELLEFONTE — A Centre County judge Friday dismissed charges against Mifflin Streaker Elizabeth Burke, agreeing with her and her attorney that there was no evidence she “affronted or alarmed’ anyone during the annual naked run, nor that she knew her behavior was likely to offend anyone.

In an eight-page opinion and order, Centre County Judge Bradley P. Lunsford dismissed a misdemeanor open lewdness count and a summary disorderly conduct charge because the commonwealth presented “no evidence” she affronted anyone, nor that she knew taking part in the annual spring tradition at Penn State could perhaps offend passersby — the key elements necessary for conviction.

Her attorney, Stacy Parks Miller, already successfully secured dismissals against a second Mifflin Streak participant this summer with the same argument. Five others arrested during the streak either pleaded guilty to reduced charges or entered a first-time offenders program that will see their records cleared once they pay program costs and undergo other court-ordered programs.

But Burke, who attorneys said is the first streaker in this decades-old tradition to challenge the charges against her, is clear for now. Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira can refile the charges, although he has not yet indicated whether he will do so.

For more details, see tomorrow's Centre Daily Times.