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Michigan Woman Gets $2,000 Fine From TSA Over Apple Butter

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - A western Michigan woman is involved in a dispute with the federal Transportation Security Administration over a $2,000 fine for attempting to carry apple butter onto a flight.

Mary Hostein, 62, said she was stopped while trying to board a plane in Charlotte, North Carolina in January 2013 because she had a pint-sized jar of apple butter. After she was told she couldn't bring it onto the plane in her carry-on bag, Hostein said she tried to go through another security line, but was stopped again and had to leave the apple butter behind.

About a month later, Hostein received a letter saying she was under investigation for attempting to circumvent security. Then in June, Hostein said she got another letter informing her of the fine.

"I think they've treated me like I'm a criminal," Hostein told WOOD-TV. "I'm a nobody fighting a government agency that I feel is being relentless."

Hostein said she's tried to discuss the matter with the TSA, but their response was apparently an official notice demanding she pay the fine or face further penalties.

The TSA has declined to comment on the case, citing possible civil litigation.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

 

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