This article originally provided by The Register-Herald

June 2, 2005

Arrested Massey protesters issued citations, released

By Amelia A. Pridemore/Register-Herald Reporter

Two protesting against a Massey Energy facility arrested May 24 and 16 arrested a week later have all been cited and released.

West Virginia State Police Sgt. G.A. Duckworth said the 16 arrested Tuesday were issued citations for trespassing. They now have 10 days to contact a magistrate, and they can choose to pay a fine plus court costs or request a hearing.

According to the State Police, the group was taken to the Whitesville detachment, where they were released after receiving the citations.

On both occasions, the 18 were arrested when they attempted to walk onto Massey property at Sundial with a list of demands and refused to leave when they could not speak to a person in charge of the facility.

In both incidents, members of the local Coal River Mountain Watch organization, those associated with the nationwide movement Mountain Justice Summer and concerned citizens marched from Marsh Fork Elementary School to the Massey Energy facility beside it.

The protesters want the facility completely shut down. According to Coal River Mountain Watch, Massey operates a coal preparation plant, loading silo and coal sludge impoundment at this facility. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is considering Massey's application to build a second silo at that facility.

One of those arrested May 24 has already pleaded no contest.

Julia Bonds, 52, of Rock Creek, entered her plea in front of Magistrate John Tanner May 25. She was fined $5 but was required to pay $123.50, including court costs. The man arrested with her that day, 56-year-old Bo Webb of Naoma, was not found in Raleigh County Magistrate Court records.

Among the 16 arrested Tuesday were 82-year-old Inez Gallimore of Naoma; Debra Jarrell, 46, of Rock Creek; and Constance Sisk, 19, and Jordan Freeman, 21, both of Naoma.

The remainder of the protesters, with the exception of Larry Gibson, 59, of Dawes and Janice Nease, 68 of Poca, were from out of state.

-- E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com