Hays called the series of events as recounted by TSA "a total lie."
"Did I drink a soda? Yes, I drunk a soda. Did I know I was in a sterile area and could not do so? No I did not," Hays said. "I am not a belligerent person. I don't defy the law. I didn't struggle with the soda. I let them have it."
Hays also cited an e-mail she sent to TSA before embarking on the trip, which informed the agency that she planned to take the snacks and beverages onboard, asking them to "please advise, as I do not want to have complications at the airport."
TSA officials responded days after her arrest with a form letter stating that the agency permits certain liquids necessary for people with medical conditions and disabilities. More than 3 ounces are also acceptable as long as passengers declare them at the gate.
In the last year, she has racked up legal bills of $15,000 and spent another $2,600 on airfare from Los Angeles after the incident at Bob Hope Airport. Hays is scheduled to appear before a judge Oct. 18 in Burbank for the battery charge to be officially dropped if she stays out of trouble.
Amid the legal wrangling, Hays has set up an e-mail address, TSA_abuse@hotmail.com, for passengers to send questions, complaints and compliments.
"I think that the people who are doing a good job should be patted on the back as well," Hays said. "On the other end, use your cell-phone camera to capture video. Get a name and a badge number. Document the time and date. It's not a put-down to TSA as an organization, it's a put down to TSA agents who are out of control."
