PCBs protester charged with disorderly conduct

By Jessica Centers
Star Staff Writer
10-22-2004

A plaintiff in the Abernathy PCBs lawsuit was arrested for disorderly conduct Thursday afternoon while protesting near the Environmental Protection Agency’s office on West 10th Street. Anniston Police Sgt. Jim Studdard said police received a call around noon that protesters were trespassing on private property at 1512 W. 10th St. “All the officer was going to ask them to do was move off the property,” Studdard said. According to Studdard, The Rev. Thomas Long questioned the officer’s authority, and then began to shout at the officer and make a scene. When Long refused to desist, he was arrested and taken to the Anniston City Jail, Studdard said. Anniston Police Chief John Dryden said the protesters have a permit to demonstrate on the city right of way near the EPA office, and have been told how close they can get to the building without trespassing. Dryden said Thursday’s incident occurred before the officer could determine whether the protesters had gone beyond that area.

About Jessica Centers

Jessica Centers, a University of Missouri graduate, covers business for The Anniston Star.