Melissa "Lisa" Hanson owns the Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Earlier this year, she was arrested for violating Democrat Gov. Timothy J. Walz’s ban on indoor dining because she opened her restaurant.
Again, she simply opened her restaurant and people came.
Hanson was found guilty on six misdemeanor charges and sentenced in early December to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
She recently spoke to the Minnesota Sun about being forced to spend this Christmas behind bars saying, “I have received great support while being here in the way of cards, letters, finances and books.”
Hanson said she was grateful for the opportunity to connect with relatives Christmas Day, “It’s a blessing to be able to text and call – I spoke with most of my family.”
Hanson is now asking a federal judge to free her. She’s also asking the city attorney that went after her to be disbarred.
“Hanson has now filed for a writ of habeas corpus in Minnesota Federal Court. In the document she submitted to the court, Hanson claims Governor Walz’ executive orders during the pandemic were not legal, that local law enforcement had no power to enforce those orders, and that Judge Joseph Beultel and City Attorney Kelly Martinez colluded to deny Hanson her civil rights and guarantee her conviction. Hanson also claims Judge Beultel sentenced her to nine times as much jail time and twice the fine asked for by the prosecutor.
Hanson asked the federal court to order her release from the Freeborn County Jail and to recommend both Beultel and Martinez lose their right to practice law.”