Felony Charges Pursued in DAPL Protest Activities

Date: 9/14/2016

Agency: Morton County

Mandan, ND - Morton County authorities are investigating multiple protest activities in an area north of Almont that occurred Wednesday morning, September 14th. Officers were first dispatched around 8:00 a.m. to a Dakota Access Pipeline construction site for a report of protesters in the worksite. Law enforcement arrested three individuals (one female and two males) for felony reckless endangerment for being attached to DAPL construction equipment. Officers also arrested two other men for conspiracy to commit reckless endangerment (C Felony) and other misdemeanor charges for their involvement in assisting unlawful protesters in attaching to equipment. Reckless Endangerment (NDCC 12.1-17-03) carries the maximum punishment of 5 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.

In addition, officers made a traffic stop on County Road 86 near the construction area. The driver was arrested for conspiracy to commit obstruction of a government function. Officers say they witnessed the driver transporting protesters. During an inventory search of the vehicle, officers found paint and mechanisms protesters are using to attach themselves to construction equipment. Authorities have impounded the van.

Law enforcement also arrested two men after they were connected to trespassing on another construction site. They were found walking in the area. They were both arrested for conspiracy to commit reckless endangerment, conspiracy to commit obstruction of a government function, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. One was arrested for criminal facilitation. The other person was arrested for conspiracy to commit criminal facilitation and both were arrested for criminal trespass.

In total, 8 people were arrested on charges related to illegal protest activities on Wednesday.

Carlo Voli and Corey Maxa were arrested on Tuesday, September 13th and will face an additional charge of reckless endangerment for attaching themselves to equipment. They are also charged with numerous misdemeanor charges listed below.

"The Morton County States Attorney's office will pursue felony charges against the protesters who attached themselves to equipment due to the seriousness of the crime. Law enforcement officers are put in dangerous situation when freeing these individuals, there is also a danger posed to DAPL, their workers and equipment along with the protester putting themselves also in a dangerous circumstance. We continue to encourage people to protest in peaceful and lawful manners," said Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier.

Below is a list of the individuals arrested and charged for 9-13 unlawful protest activities.

As of 9/14 a total of 69 individuals have been arrested for illegal protest activities.