Two people face criminal charges after being removed during a Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting for clapping out of turn and swearing, county criminal records show.
Carolyn Rodriguez, who goes by Carolina, and Charles Hermes were charged with hindering proceedings by disorderly conduct. That’s a Class A misdemeanor — the most serious level — punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.
Hermes clapped for an audience member who spoke during public comment at the Jan. 28 meeting, after County Judge Tim O’Hare warned him not to do it. In a phone interview, he said his criminal charge could have a chilling effect…