Wiccan Arrested for Yelling Witch Chants
Pastor Dale Morgan
Wiccan Arrested for Yelling Witch Chants*
Witch chanting spells trouble for woman
Underwear-clad Wiccan tells police they're infringing on her religious
beliefs
--WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee
WAUKESHA - A Waukesha woman was arrested early Tuesday morning for
disturbing neighbors by yelling witch chants around a bonfire she built
10-feet from her home, police Capt. Mike Babe said.
Brenna K. Barney, 42, told police that they were infringing on her
religious beliefs since she is a Wiccan and she was performing a ritual
because of a new moon, Babe said. She said her name is Brenna Raven
Moonfire.
Criminal charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct were filed
against Barney in Waukesha County Circuit Court.
Police may also give Barney a ticket alleging negligent handling of
burning materials, Babe said.
Neighbors in the 2300 block of Madison St. called police at 12:11 a.m.,
Babe said.
When an officer arrived, he heard the woman yelling in the backyard and
found her wearing headphones, a T-shirt and underwear, Babe said. The
officer tried to get her attention by shining a flashlight on her but
she continued yelling her chants.
At one point she poured lighter fluid on the fire, which was 10-feet
from her residence, he said. She was burning rubber car mats and a
cooler, Babe said.
When the officer was able to get the woman's attention she refused to
cooperate telling the officer she was performing a religious ritual. She
continued to be belligerent and the officer could smell alcohol on the
woman's breath, Babe said.
Four officers responded to the scene and were able to take the woman
into custody. She was first taken to Waukesha Memorial Hospital where
she continued to yell and swear at officers and hospital staff, Babe said.
After she was medically cleared, she was taken to jail.