PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

David Japenga Convicted, Jailed Pending Sentencing
by ABC Pittsburgh Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 at 11:36 PM
abcpittsburgh(a)riseup.net

It is with heavy hearts that we regretfully inform you that on August 25th a jury returned a guilty verdict for each of five counts against our friend David Japenga. Citing him as a high flight risk and a danger to the community, his bail was revoked and he was taken into custody pending his formal sentencing, which was scheduled for November 23rd. David's lawyer filed a Petition for Bond the same day and we are awaiting a hearing on the motion.

It is with heavy hearts that we regretfully inform you that on August 25th a jury returned a guilty verdict for each of five counts against our friend David Japenga. Citing him as a high flight risk and a danger to the community, his bail was revoked and he was taken into custody pending his formal sentencing, which was scheduled for November 23rd. David's lawyer filed a Petition for Bond the same day and we are awaiting a hearing on the motion. In the meantime, David can receive mail sent to:

David Japenga 153760
950 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

He can receive money orders with his DOC number written on them to his ACJ address. Otherwise ABC Pittsburgh will be collecting donations for his commissary. They can be mailed to:
ABC Pittsburgh
PO Box 9272
Pittsburgh, PA
15224

Or email abcpittsburgh(a)riseup.net to arrange a pickup.

Later that night, approximately 30 of David's friends and supporters held a demonstration for him outside of the Allegheny County Jail where he was housed. For about a half an hour, they chanted "David Japenga" and "Fuck the police" while banging on metal guardrails with rocks, lighting road flares and smoke bombs, and playing music over a boombox. Inmates flicked their lightswitches and banged on their windows in response.

BACKGROUND
David Japenga was arrested during a riot in Pittsburgh on the first night of the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, PA. He was ultimately charged with three counts of criminal mischief (one of which was a felony), one count of posessing an instrument of crime and one count of false identification to a police officer.

Court notes will be published shortly. For more information about supporting Dave, email abcpittsburgh(a)riseup.net.