Three people have been arrested and charged with financial crimes related to a fund set up to bail out protesters who were arrested demonstrating against the construction of a police training facility in Atlanta, Georgia.
The future site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center has been the focus of violent protests that some have characterized as domestic violence by left-wing activists who oppose all police efforts. Some have also cited environmental concerns about the 85-acre site of the construction.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday that the arrests were related to their investigation of “individuals responsible for numerous criminal acts” over the training center.
39-year-old Marlon Scott Kautz, 30-year-old Savannah D. Patterson, and 42-year-old Adele Maclean were all arrested after officers performed a warrant search and claimed to find evidence of financial crimes.
The three are charged with money laundering and charity fraud.
Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia praised law enforcement for the arrests on Wednesday.
“Today, we’re proud to share that those who backed their illegal actions are also under arrest and will face justice,” Kemp said. “These criminals facilitated and encouraged domestic terrorism with no regard for others, watching as communities faced the destructive consequences of their actions.”
He also blamed the violence on “mostly out-of-state activists.”
Organizers said they would protest against the arrests on Thursday evening.
“Today’s arrests are the latest escalation in the state’s attacks on the right to protest,” read a statement from protesters. “Bailing out protesters who exercise their constitutionally protected rights is simply not a crime.”
Some have pointed out that the police training center has been supported by Republicans and Democrats on the state and local level “who are white black and brown.”
The complex is scheduled to be completed in 2024.
Here’s more about the bail fund arrests:
3 people in DeKalb Jail, charged with criminal acts connected to Atlanta public safety sitewww.youtube.com
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