Charge against mother of youthful war protester dropped

[sabra]

Source: des moines register

A charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor against the mother of a 12-year-old war protester has been dropped.

Frankie Hughes, daughter of Renee Lynn Espeland, 49, of Des Moines, was charged last Wednesday with trespassing when she allegedly refused to leave U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin's office in downtown Des Moines.

The following morning police wrote a misdemeanor ticket to Espeland for contributing to the delinquency of a minor for allegedly encouraging and contributing to her daughter's arrest.

Assistant Des Moines Police Chief David Lillard confirmed today that the charge against Espeland was dropped. He said Chief Judy Bradshaw had the details and she was not immediately available for comment.

...

Polk County Attorney John Sarcone said, "After further consultation it was decided not to go forward." He called it a good decision.

"Looking at all the circumstances, what happened didn't need to be addressed with a criminal charge," he said.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100413/NEWS/100413013/-1/URBANDALE/Charge-against-mother-of-youthful-war-protester-dropped

[rfranklin]

Did he incorporate?

Then it might be protected free speech.

[rfranklin]

1. Dupe

[No Elephants]

2. Try the 12 year old as an adult! Obviously, mom was the real target.

If mom had left the building with her 12 year old inside, they would have charged her with neglect.

Good on this woman. I'm trying to think what my mom would have done to me when I was 12 if I asked her to accompany me to a sit in in a politician's office. I probably would not have lived to make this post.

Or, she would still be laughing. One or the other.