For Immediate Release

June 4, 2020

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker issued this statement today:

My office denounces charges being filed against non-violent protesters. Based on calls to my office and after speaking to protest organizer Henry Service, it is clear many citizens are confused and believe my office has filed charges against dozens of protesters who were arrested for minor offenses like walking in the street or stepping off a curb.

Those charges against protesters were filed by the City Prosecutor’s office, an office that reports to the Mayor and the City Council. I suggest making your voices heard about those arrests to city officials or the city prosecutor’s office. You can contact the prosecutor at this number: Phone: (816) 513-6750.

My office has filed four cases related to the protests. Those were burglary/theft cases against individuals who were involved in looting of Plaza stores last weekend. These are the only cases related to the protest that my office has filed. None of the individuals charged in those four cases related to Kansas City protests remain in custody. A Kansas City man was charged with a misdemeanor Terroristic Threatening charge after he encouraged in social media posts the looting of the Walmart store in Raytown, attracting individuals to the store for the event and causing a major police response to the store, as well as its evacuation. He also has been released from custody.

In addition, we announced we are reviewing alleged police misconduct. We have already asked for an investigation of one incident in which protesters were pepper sprayed by police. We are later today launching a web page at our website to collect any other evidence, including videos, of excessive force by police. Individuals can make these submissions anonymously, if they wish. We also will review any case submitted by police to us regarding any individual throwing bricks, rocks, bottles or other dangerous objects.

We will announce details about that new web page later today.

Persons seeking help in getting the release of detained protesters being held on municipal charges should also consult the Kansas City Community Bail Fund. Here is their website: https://www.kccommunitybailfund.com/

For more information, contact:

Michael Mansur

Director of Communication

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office

Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor

Work   : (816) 881-3812

Mobile: (816) 674-3954

mmansur@jacksongov.org

http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com