The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
48°F
Current Conditions
Few clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

1 avoids Confederate toppling felony; other cases ongoing

Takiyah Thompson, second from left, who's accused of helping to topple a Confederate statue, speaks to reporters Tuesday as supporters hold signs in Durham, NC. Thompson is one of eight protesters charged in the toppling of the statue in Durham in August who have had their cases continued until 2018, and Thompson vows to take her case all the way to trial on charges that she climbed the ladder and attached the rope used to bring down the statue. (Jonathan Drew / AP)
Associated Press

DURHAM, N.C. – A protester accused of helping tear down a North Carolina Confederate statue has struck a deal to avoid a felony charge, while other defendants had their cases continued.

Durham County Judge James T. Hill said Tuesday he would allow a deferred prosecution deal for Ngoc Loan Tran on several misdemeanor property damage counts. Defense attorney Scott Holmes said the misdemeanors will be dismissed after Tran pays $1,250 in restitution and completes 100 hours of community service.

Tran was among a dozen charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of tearing down the statue of an anonymous Confederate at a Durham government building August 14. One climbed up to attach a rope, then protesters yanked it down.

Eight demonstrators had cases continued until January 11. Charges were previously dropped against three others.