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Capitol Protesters Charged with Felonies

Posted: 1:30 PM Dec 10, 2012
Reporter: News 10

Felony charges were filed Monday against eight protesters arrested Thursday at the State Capitol. The names of the protesters won't be released until they are arraigned.

Each of the protesters was charged with "resisting and obstructing" Michigan State Police.

Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney Stuart Dunnings III issued a statement saying he has "never charged anyone with a criminal offense for protesting a policy of piece of legislation."

"Many individuals have visited Lansing to add their voice to the debate over the so-called 'right to work' legislation" Dunnings continued. "Out of this group, there was a small number that was accused by police of rushing through a human barricade of state troopers, in order to gain access to the Senate Chamber."

After reviewing a report from the Michigan State Police that alleged the protesters went beyond passive resistance and involved physical aggression toward the troopers, Dunnings decided to file the felony charges.

If found guilty, the protesters could face a sentence of up to two years in prison.