SPRINGFIELD — A Hampshire County woman charged with assault using bees was held on $25,000 cash bail after appearing in court Monday.
Rebecca “Rorie” Woods, 57, was brought into a local courthouse in shackles and handcuffs three months after she failed to appear on the day of her trial Aug. 5. She had been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (bees) after she is said to have unleashed a swarm on sheriff’s deputies during an eviction proceeding in 2022.
She fled to Bristol, Tennessee, according to a prosecutor, and was picked up at a motel Aug. 7. The midsize city lies on the border of Tennessee and Virginia.
Woods had a history of evictions and homelessness. She fought extradition from Tennessee and governors of Tennessee and Massachusetts were required to sign a warrant.
She arrived back in the region over the weekend. Assistant Hampden District Attorney Blake McConnell urged a Springfield District Court judge to hold Woods on a high bail.
“This case has been pending for three years now … It has a long procedural history,” the prosecutor said.
Woods’ next court date is Dec. 19.
