East Providence Woman on 'Live PD' Files Claim Letter Against EPD

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Lawyers for an East Providence woman who claimed she was filmed while talking to police in a bath towel without her knowledge has sent the city notification she plans to sue for emotional distress. The footage aired on an episode of "Live PD" that ran on the A&E Network.

WPRI-TV reported that Desiree Spitaleri is seeking $1 million in damages. Lawyers for the woman claim East Providence police arrived at her house after they said they received a 911 call and she answered the door wearing the towel because she had just gotten out of the shower. Lawyers said she did not immediately know she was being filmed for a live television show and that when police left she immediately began to receive calls and messages from those saying they saw her on TV.

The station said the claim letter notifies she is asking for restitution for emotional distress caused by non-consensual filming. Lawyers told WPRI-TV that claims are also being planned against A&E and the production company Big Fish Entertainment.

The East Providence Police Department announced last month that they were taking a hiatus from their connection to the show, which also included live footage of the Warwick Police Department.

"It was a great experience and we hope everyone enjoyed a glimpse into their local police," East Providence police posted on the department's Facebook page on Dec. 17. "LPD may be back,
but no decisions have been made."

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