U.S. Atty. Janice M. Cole announced that a federal grand jury indicted nine individuals on Mar. 21 with two counts each of mail fraud, in connection with their applications for membership with the Journeyman Inside Wireman classification in the Int’l Bhd. of Electrical Workers Local 495, in Wilmington, N.C. If convicted, each could receive a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $500,000, and a supervised release term of three years. The accused are Jamie Bailey, Richard D. Daniels, Bradley S. Darnell, Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Ralph J. Lykins, John C. Martin, Raymond Mead, David A. Petty and Jeremy M. Puckett. Additionally, Robert A. Parsons was charged with one count of mail fraud, and if convicted, faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. [USAO E.D.N.C., Media Release 3/24/00]
Fifth South Carolina Unionist Indicted for Port Riot
Another man has been charged in connection with the Jan. 20 waterfront riot in Charleston, S.C. Peter Washington, Jr., was charged Apr. 4, making him the fifth person to be indicted by the Charleston County Grand Jury for alleged roles in a protest by the Int’l Longshoremen’s Ass’n that turned violent. Washington was indicted on charges of rioting, conspiracy to riot and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, Asst. S.C. Atty. Gen. Brad Cranshaw said.
Washington is accused of swinging a “baton” – like a policeman’s nightstick – and striking a helmeted Charleston policeman over the head. The officer, who was only slightly injured, helped to identify Washington. Videotapes and photos taken at the scene have been instrumental in identifying suspects.
Several hundred police manned a port entrance during the melee, where protesters tossed bottles and other debris and were met with tear gas and anti-riot guns firing beanbag-like shots. In Feb., the grand jury indicted four longshoremen on rioting and conspiracy charges. Ten people went to hospitals after the riot, which took place during a union protest of a shipping line’s use of non-union labor. Cranshaw said the investigation is continuing. [Post & Courier (Charleston, S.C.) 4/5/00]