Originally published March 20 | Updated April 6
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — All members of the "Quakertown five" — the teenagers who were arrested last month after a violent clash with police at an anti-ICE student protest — are now off house arrest after appearing in Bucks County court on Friday.
Timothy Prendergast, an attorney for one of the defendants, said his client, who was seen on video being placed in a chokehold during the rally, has been through a traumatic ordeal.
"We are certainly prepared to defend our client's rights," said Prendergast.
One 16-year-old male defendant with no prior criminal history had the two most serious charges against him — two counts of aggravated assault — dropped on Friday, and he entered into a program for first-time juvenile offenders. He did not have to plead guilty.
"He'll be subject to supervision by his probation officer just to track his progress, attending school, not getting in trouble, and doing his community service," said the high school sophomore's lawyer, Donald Sauders.
The other four defendants had their cases continued and will return to the courtroom, but no longer need to wear ankle monitors.
"Which I characterized as a scarlet letter for all these kids to have to go back to school and their jobs and the community wearing an ankle bracelet, which in my view really wasn't necessary given the circumstances," Prendergast said.
On Monday, April 6, the district attorney dropped the most serious charges against a second teen involved in the clash. The teen's lawyer told KYW Newsradio the aggravated assault charge has been dropped, but lesser charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstruction of the roadway have not been dropped. The teen's attorney is calling on the district attorney to drop all charges against his client.
The status of the others has not been made public.
The arrests happened on Feb. 20 during a Quakertown Community High School student walkout in protest of ICE deportations, and there was a scuffle between students and Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree.
McElree was wearing civilian clothes, and witnesses said he did not identify himself as a police officer. Many community members said McElree was the aggressor during the rally and allegedly put one teen in a headlock.
McElree is not facing charges and is on paid leave.
