WINONA -- A Winona man has been cited for cursing in public under a local law created back in 1887.
Police say 19-year-old Lucas Charles Wilcox was cited Wednesday after he yelled obscenities at officers who had earlier given him a ticket for underage drinking.
Officers say they could hear Wilcox cursing at them from a block away. Several neighbors say they also heard the shouting.
Police normally issue disorderly conduct tickets in similar situations, but Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams says officers use discretion to choose the most appropriate charge.
Violating Winona's obscenity law is a misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
