Cops: Murrysville woman accused of illegally recording conversations with court workers

A Murrysville woman is accused of illegally videotaping and recording conversations with Westmoreland County courthouse employees and then posting two conversations on social media, according to a criminal complaint.

Jennifer L. Gesuale, 40, is charged with illegal interception of communications and disclosure of intercepted communications. Both are third-degree felonies punishable by up to 3¹⁄₂ to 7 years in prison, plus a fine up to $15,000, if convicted.

Gesuale has been in contact with Judge Michelle Bononi’s court staff and the court administrator’s office in the past two weeks in an attempt to obtain a transcript of a domestic relations hearing from June, county Detective Ray Dupilka said in court documents.

Bobbi Weaver, a staff member in the court administrator’s office, told Dupilka that after she forwarded Gesuale the transcript request form and instructions, the office received a faxed transmission and an emailed transcript request “but neither was filled out properly.”

Over the next several days, beginning Sept. 9, Gesuale and Weaver exchanged multiple “contentious emails” over the proper documentation and the costs associated with obtaining the transcript, Dupilka said. On Sept. 13, court officials reported Gesuale appeared at Weaver’s office in Greensburg and demanded the transcript.

“Weaver stated that Gesuale did not have her invoice form with her and did not have the correct payment amount,” Dupilka reported.

Court officials reported that when Gesuale was informed of the issues and was departing, “Gesuale stated (to Weaver) she was going to post something on Facebook so everyone would know the truth about her situation,” Dupilka wrote.

Dupilka alleges Gesuale posted two audio and video recordings on Facebook involving separate conversations Gesuale had with court officials. Weaver said Gesuale never notified her that she was recording their conversations, Dupilka reported.

Contacted by telephone, Gesuale said the incident involves her attempt to retrieve information in her ongoing domestic relations litigation involving she and her estranged husband, Eugene.

“This is just another cruel joke imposed on me and my children by the court here regarding this case,” Jennifer Gesuale said.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, Pennsylvania’s Wiretap Law makes it illegal to record private conversations — which can include conversations in public places — without the consent of all parties.

A preliminary hearing has not been scheduled.