PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The five teenagers arrested during an anti-ICE protest in Quakertown earlier this year will enter diversion programs after charges against them were dropped.
"I just can't say enough about how proud I am of my client, and proud of the whole bunch of them,” said Ed Angelo, the lawyer representing the now 16-year-old girl who almost went to trial this week, but worked out a deal with prosecutors.
The Bucks County District Attorney announced Monday that the 16-year-old, along with four other teenagers, will go through diversion programs that will help expunge their arrest records.
“Certainly was incumbent upon them to drop the charges in my opinion because I never felt that there was evidence sufficient against my client on these two particular charges," Angelo said.
According to Angelo, the girl will have to write an essay and participate in a karate program through her agreement.
The teens were arrested 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.
Videos that circulated from the event showed a plain-clothed McElree — who is also the borough manager — struggling with teens, and, at one point, on the sidewalk with his arm wrapped around a teenage girl's neck before he brought her to the ground. McElree was placed on paid leave following the incident; the teens spent time in jail following their arrests.
The District Attorney’s office said its investigation will now focus on the response by law enforcement.
“Now that all five kids have had their cases resolved in one way or another, maybe now DA Khan will finally make his final report on the chief. He should be charged; go through the process.”
Last month, Quakertown Borough Council issued a four-page statement saying McElree will not face discipline.
Charges against all 5 have been dropped
Charges against all 5 have been dropped
