What good is a no contact order?

Supporters of Ashli Ford target Norwalk city officials after judge grants her probation with strict conditions

SANDUSKY — It seemed like one of those old “I’m going to Disney World” commercials NFL quarterbacks filmed after winning the Super Bowl.

CLICK to WATCH: Two supporters of Ashli Ford’s who attended her sentencing hearing on Monday talked while Norwalk Mayor David Light was providing the court a victim impact statement before one of them made obscene hand gestures in his direction. The woman in the white shirt is Carrie Light, Mayor Light’s sister-in-law who is estranged from him. PHOTO provided.

Outside the Erie County Courthouse on Monday, Ashli Ford and her supporters were jubilant after a judge spared her prison time. Ford, convicted in May of threatening Norwalk officials in a Facebook post, faced up to 12 years behind bars and $40,000 in fines. Instead, visiting Judge Deborah Boros sentenced her to three years of probation and fined her $2,000.

Boros questioned Ford sharply during the hearing about whether she would follow probation rules. Among the requirements: Ford must obtain a full-time job and have no contact with the four victims — including through third parties.

Back on Facebook

But within hours of the ruling, Ford’s circle of supporters was back online, posting comments that appeared aimed directly at the men she threatened.

Her husband, Ezekiel Ford Sr., shared a photo of Ford celebrating outside the courthouse, mocking the victims’ fear of her.