PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Indecent exposure charges have been dropped against a Carnegie Mellon University student after dressed up as the pope, and was naked from the waist down, with a her pubic hair shaved in the shape of a cross.

Katherine O’Connor was in court Monday and rather than contest the charge, she agreed to perform 80 hours of community service.

She had nothing to say after her hearing, KDKA-TV’s Andy Sheehan spoke with her attorney.

KDKA-TV’s Andy Sheehan: In agreeing to do community service, this is a plea bargain is it not? You’re not contesting this on a First Amendment basis?

Attorney Jon Pushinksky: We are not making the formal arguments, but my client was facing a serious charge and If she’d gone to trial and been convicted, there are certain legal ramifications that she may have some long-term implications. She avoids all of that now and all of the charges will be withdrawn. She’ll have no record whatsoever.

“All of the charges will be withdrawn,” said attorney Vic Walczak of the American Civil Liberties Union. “She’ll have no record whatsoever.”

In agreeing to the deal — O’Connor and her attorneys did not contest the charge on the basis of freedom of speech or artistic expression but outside the court they maintained that her action would be protected under the first amendment.

Robb Godshaw, 22, was also charged with public nudity stemming from the same incident. He too, will receive the same community service deal.

RELATED LINKS:

CMU Parade Controversy Over Naked Woman, Dressed As Pope (4/29/13)

CMU President Apologizes After Student Dresses As Naked Pope (5/1/13)

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