Robert Gavin is reporting for the Times Union a protester on June 7 snuck hundreds of cockroaches into Albany City Court and set the critters loose during a courtroom scuffle over the arraignment of rent activists. The spectacle prompted the closure of the Morton Avenue courthouse for the remainder of the day as a crew of exterminators dealt with the insects. A source told the Times Union the action occurred during an arraignment by City Court Judge Joshua Farrell of four defendants who had been arrested last month while objecting to state rent issues at the Capitol. As supporters of the defendants objected in the courtroom, one person tried to film the proceeding. As others continued to object, another person dropped lettuce covered with cockroaches onto the floor. Police charged Clyanna Lightbourn, 34, with tampering with physical evidence, a felony, as well as criminal contempt, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. She was not identified as the person who allegedly released the bugs. Lucian Chalfen, spokesman for the state Office of Court Administration, provided a photo of large cockroaches on the floor of the courtroom, along with pieces of lettuce and other dark material that appeared to be dirt or insect bedding. "What transpired is not advocacy or activism, it is criminal behavior with the intent to disrupt a proceeding and cause damage," said Chalfen in a statement. Prosecution would include seeking restitution for the cleanup, he said. "Taxpayers shouldn’t foot the bill for these actions." The incident remains under investigation, according to law enforcement. Read the full story in the Times Union.