jesse forrey

Two decisions related to RNC protests came down simultaneously in Ramsey County Court Thursday afternoon.  Eight demonstrators from the August 31, 2008 Vets for Peace march were found guilty of misdemeanor trespassing, but were sentenced to merely a $100 fine or 20 hours community service.  They had argued their claim of right to enter the secured area around the Xcel Energy Center under international law and the Minnesota and United States Constitutions.  Meanwhile, two floors above, Jesse James Forrey was sentenced to 120 days in jail after being found guilty weeks ago of felony damage to property.  He'll likely serve 75 with good behavior. The expected sentence was much higher.

(YouTube videos) | Read below for more a detailed report, plus more RNC and upcoming Pittsburgh G20 news.

UPDATE 9PM: We are sorry to report that Forrey was found guilty yesterday by a jury.  His sentencing was scheduled for September 17 at 1:30pm.

UPDATE 8/6: The jury has been out since 10:15am.

8/5: After three days of Jesse Forrey's trial, closing arguments and jury instructions will begin at 9am on Thursday in Room 1140 of the Ramsey County Courthouse at 15 W. Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul.  This will be the last chance for the jury to see the crowd of supporters which has numbered 30-45 throughout the trial thus far.  Barring unusually long deliberations, the jury will likely return its verdict Thursday.  To be text messaged as soon as the verdict is in, sign up for TCIMC's twitter feed by texting follow tcimc to 40404.

5/21-22: David McKay setenced to 4 years.  Coverage: Sentencing David McKay and Spinning the Media (CRASS) | Towards a More Empowering Militancy

5/19: The Star Tribune reports that FBI snitch Andrew Darst, convicted of assault earlier this year, avoids jail time in what appears to be a back room deal. Hennepin County prosecutor John Halla failed to show up for the sentencing by known racist judge Dan Mabley.

St. Paul City Attorney John Choi's record went from 1 RNC conviction to none over the weekend.  Medic Sean McCoy was convicted of public assembly without a permit and levied a $50 fine earlier this year.  Attorney Bruce Nestor then filed a motion for a new trial, which was granted on Friday.  Nestor believes it is unlikely the state will continue the prosecution.  However, in his decision (see PDF), Judge Edward Wilson rejected the argument that St. Paul's 25-person assembly ordinance is unconstitutional.  Meanwhile, 17-year-old Keith Smith goes to trial at 1:30 Monday at the Juvenile Justice Center at 7th and St. Peter in St. Paul.  The city appears to be prosecuting Smith, whose iconic stand (or sit) in front of police lines and subsequent injuries (pictured) made headlines,due to his likelihood to sue.  Read on for more court dates coming up fast. UPDATE: Smith was given an actual trial date in July.  The prosecutor seemed to indicate that he is continuing with the case due to the possibility of civil litigation.

RNC Analysis--Where's There's Smoke... Anarchism After the RNC: "Such a brutal reaction might lead us to believe that 'we must be doing something right.' After all, where there's smoke, there's fire, right?"

Crimethinc Releases RNC Analyses | FBI Infiltrated Iowa Anti-War Group Before RNC | Crowder Receives Two Year Sentence (McKay 10am Thurs.)| Open Letter to Susan Gaertner from Susan Mahoney | RNC 8 Protest Gaertner Fundraiser | Jesse James and the RNC Others | Still Healing from the RNC? Event June 7

mccoy-decision.pdf