(NECN/WNBC: Tracy Strahan) - A Long Island, N.Y., man is facing a $500 fine or 30 days in jail for laughing too loud in his own home.
His laugh could land Robert Schiavelli in jail.
The 42-year-old admits he breaks out that hardy giggle from the window of his Rockville Centre bathroom all the time
But it became a crime after his next door neighbor complained it was directed towards him, a crime of laughter that Schiavelli says is just silly
"Because he's eye balling me, he's staring at me, mocking me, calling me a retard."
Schiavelli has suffered from seizures and other neurological disorders his entire life and lives with his mother, Suzanne.
Both say decades of feuds with their next door neighbor have led police to visit them nearly 30 times but the recent violation accusing Schiavelli of disturbing the peace was most shocking
"Giving Robert nightmares but I will fight this to the federal court and to the Supreme Court if necessary," says Schiavelli’s mother.
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"Act like I'm the bully here but he's doing it to me."
But other residents in this neighborhood who didn't want to go on camera due to fear of retaliation claim that Schiavelli’s the one being the bully, taunting elderly residents, even children, with his laugh and a lot more.
Schiavelli’s neighbors weren't home next door and couldn't be reached for comment, but both of the summonses that they're behind accuse Schiavelli of acting in a manner to annoy, disturb or be offensive to others.
They are violations that both carry fines of $250 each and could put Schiavelli in jail for 30 days, but Schiavelli promises to have the last laugh.
