Kate Lynn Blatt, a trans woman who allegedly caused a disturbance at a Walmart store in Saint Clair, Schuylkill County, has been cited for harassment and disorderly conduct.
Blatt, 35, vowed to fight the charges in court, claiming they’re meritless. The citations carry fines totaling about $400. She received the citations in the mail on July 7, she said.
The alleged violations occurred on May 28, while Blatt was shopping for clothes with her wife, Lindsey Nowak, at a Walmart on Terry Rich Boulevard.
A store attendant allegedly refused to allow Blatt to try on clothes in a female fitting room. When Blatt handed the attendant items she didn’t want to purchase, a disturbance allegedly ensued.
According to police, Blatt shoved the attendant, causing her to step backwards.
“Defendant did subject the victim to physical contact by shoving the victim, causing her to step back so she would not fall,” a citation states.
For that alleged offense, Blatt was cited for harassment.
Police also claim Blatt used obscene language during the incident.
“Defendant did cause public annoyance and alarm by using obscene language in a public place with the public present,” states another citation.
For that alleged offense, Blatt was cited for disorderly conduct.
Blatt denies she shoved the attendant or acted in a disorderly manner.
“I was victimized at Walmart and I’m being re-victimized by the police,” Blatt told PGN.
She said the responding officer, Bryce Lewis, repeatedly referred to her using male terms, though she corrected him several times.
“Officer Lewis intentionally sexually harassed me, yet I’m being charged with harassment,” Blatt said. “That’s the unjust world that trans people are relegated to.”
Blatt also said onlookers hurled obscenities and death threats at her, but to the best of her knowledge, they weren’t cited for any offense.
Saint Clair Police Chief William M. Dempsey couldn’t be reached for comment.
“This is an abuse of power,” Blatt concluded. “This is bullshit. The police are continuously victimizing people.”
