Prosecutors refuse to file charges against some people arrested on May 1

Prosecutors in Lebanon District Court will not file charges against at least 28 people — including several Dartmouth students and religion professor Christopher MacEavitt — arrested for criminal trespassing during a protest. pro-Palestinian demonstration May 1, the Valley News reported June 27.

On May 1, police arrested 89 people at the protest, including two Dartmouth journalists. On May 7, Grafton County Deputy District Attorney Mariana Pastore was arrested. refused to file a complaint and asked the District Court of Lebanon to cancel the bail conditions of the student journalists.

The prosecutor's office declined to comment on the specific reasons why some cases were dropped.

An undergraduate student arrested on May 1 — who requested anonymity because of ongoing legal proceedings — said her case had not been dropped and that she did not know the “rhyme or reason” why some cases were dropped while others were not.

The unnamed student also said her attorney — who she said represents a large number of Dartmouth students — told her her case had been upgraded from a misdemeanor to a violation, as well as those whose cases were not dismissed and who have an arraignment date of July 15. According to Valley News, 35 people now face a violation charge. A violation charge is less serious than a misdemeanor and does not carry jail time or a criminal record, though it can involve a fine or court fees, according to the New Hampshire Judicial Branch website.

Those accused of violations are scheduled to be brought to justice On July 15, 24 cases are scheduled to go to trial on Aug. 5, according to previous reporting from The Dartmouth. The prosecutor's office has until 14 days before Aug. 5 to file charges in those cases.

The Lebanon District Court did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.