12 acquitted for ‘Occupy Wells Fargo’ sit-in [updated]
Update: All 12 were acquitted of the charges in March 2013 after a Common Pleas Court jury deliberated for about 13 hours.
Original report: Twelve people were found guilty yesterday of defiant trespassing and conspiracy charges for their Nov. 18 sit-in at a Philadelphia Wells Fargo.
Gina Apuzzo, Michael Blas, Anthony Abata, Larry Swetman, Alan Sable, Keil Troisi, Aaron Troisi, Dustin Slaughter, Willard Johnson, Justin Audia, Justin Murphy and Adam Hill were arrested during the protest at 17th and Market streets, where they sat down in the bank lobby.
“Despite being allowed to protest for over an hour, these individuals refused to leave, requiring multiple police officers to separate and detain them, all as the crowd chanted ‘shame’ at the officers,” according to the verdict statement released yesterday by the District Attorney’s office.
An earlier version of this story reported the 12 had originally been charged with disorderly conduct. This story has also been updated to reflect the most recent court findings.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Philly’s housing market takes center stage during ‘Bridging Blocks’ event
About a dozen residents participated in Thursday’s discussion inside the Walnut Street West Library in University City.
3 hours ago
No Name Pops perform tribute to Peter Nero, former frontman of Philly Pops
Many members of the No Name Pops played under Nero when they were with the now-ailing Philly Pops.
4 hours ago
Listen 1:03
Philly, meet the new normal of spring allergy season
Tree and grass pollen are at extreme levels, according to local pollen counts. Experts say climate change is to blame for longer allergy seasons.
4 hours ago
Listen 1:05