Roundup: Authorities levy charges and fines against Lansing protesters

More may be coming

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WEDNESDAY, Aug. 5 — Several people are facing tickets and criminal charges in connection to recent protests that have left a streak of injuries and destruction in Lansing.

The Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police arrested a dozen people on May 31 after a protest against police brutality turned destructive and cops eventually lobbed tear gas into crowds without warning. Officials at the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office said charges have been authorized against at least three people arrested that night. More could be coming.

After that protest, LPD and MSP had requested charges for riot-related crimes against a 47-year-old white man from Lansing and arrested several others related to violations of city curfew ordinances and other crimes — all of which ended with tickets or remain under investigation.

Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon’s office has since authorized more severe charges against two of those protesters. They haven’t been arraigned. More details were unavailable. Six cases are still under investigation at LPD, a spokesperson said today.

Another case involved a man who was accused of spray-painting the steps of the Capitol during the protest, but prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges in the matter.

Maghan Dibble, who drove her car toward a crowded downtown protest and allegedly contributed to the destruction that followed, has been charged with reckless driving. She pled not guilty last month and will be back in court for a pre-trial hearing next week.

In related protests, LPD officers have also requested charges against Gregory Maurice Richardson, 43, of Lansing, in connection to allegations that he pointed a rifle at a motorcyclist while marching with Paul Birdsong and “We the Free People of Lansing” protesters June 17.

Richardson was arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of brandishing a firearm in public. He was released on a personal recognizance bond until a hearing this month.

LPD is also continuing to investigate reports of a motorcyclist that allegedly ran down a woman near the Black Lives Matter mural painted on Capitol Avenue in front of the Capitol. Prosecutors said they haven’t received any requests for criminal charges related to the matter.

Additionally, three women were charged with trespassing in the House gallery on the day of a coronavirus lockdown protest. None have been arraigned. Case details were not available. One of the women, officials said, has filed a counter-complaint against the cop that made the arrest. That case was reviewed and denied for prosecution, prosecutors told City Pulse last week.

Another man was arrested at a pandemic-related protest on April 30 and charged with drunk and disorderly conduct and larceny under $200 for allegedly taking someone’s American flag. He pled guilty last month to drunk and disorderly conduct. Prosecutors also said an additional criminal case is also under review regarding a protestor at the May 14 “Judgement Day” rally.

Additionally, reports have circulated regarding a car that was allegedly going out its designated lane during a recent “We the Free People of Lansing” protest. Prosecutors said that particular case hasn’t made its way up to their office, noting it could still be an active police investigation.

Visit lansingcitypulse.com for previous and continued coverage as the cases move forward.

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