BATH
Bath police arrested and charged nine protesters during Saturday’s Bath Iron Works christening with criminal trespassing, a Class E crime.
Those arrested were part of a group engaged in an organized protest on the corner of Washington and Spring streets, according to a press release from the Bath Police Department. The protesters were from Maine Veterans for Peace and the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space.
They were protesting an event at BIW for the christening of the future USS Thomas Hudner.
Police say BIW allowed those attending the christening to enter their facility at an entry point referred to as the “New Event Gate,” located just south of the company’s South Gate entrance. According to police, nine of the protesters attempted to enter the event.
“They had peace signs displayed as they attempted to gain entrance,” the release states. “BIW Security stopped them from entering, but the protesters remained on the BIW property. After a few minutes, BIW officials advised all nine that they needed to leave BIW property. The group refused to leave.”
The protesters refused a warning by Bath Police Robert Lt. Savary and were arrested. They were transported in a Sagadahoc County Corrections van to the Bath Police Department where they were booked and eventually released on bail.
“All were cooperative throughout the arrest and booking process,” the statement reads.
The protesters are scheduled to appear May 16 in West Bath District Court.
Arrested were: Jason Rawn, 43, of Lincolnville; Mark Roman of Solon, date of birth unknown; Bruce Gagnon, 64, of Bath; Russell Wray, 61, of Hancock; Natalyn Mayers, 70, of Whitefield; Robert Dale, 92, of Brunswick; Jessica Stewart, 38, of Bass Harbor, and Lisa Savage, 61, of Solon. Their bail was set at $500 unsecured.
Also arrested was Michael Tork, 70, of Falmouth, Massachusetts. His bail was $2,500, unsecured.
Gagnon, Rawn and Wray were arrested last year at a similar protest at BIW during the christening of the future USS Michael Monsoor.
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