Felony charge dropped for teen in Quakertown protest case as others head toward trial

Two teens charged in connection with the Feb. 20 student protest in Quakertown appeared in court this week, where one defense attorney said the most serious charge against his client has been withdrawn, though cases tied to the incident continue to move toward trial.

According to NBC Philadelphia, defense attorney Timothy Prendergast told them a Bucks County judge dismissed a felony aggravated assault charge against his 16-year-old client, who had been among several students arrested following the confrontation with police during an anti-ICE walkout. 

Prendergast said his client maintains her innocence, adding that the defense is seeking full exoneration as the case proceeds, per the news organization.

Another teen, represented by attorney Ettore Angelo, is also headed to trial after efforts to resolve the case ahead of time were unsuccessful, per the site. 

Angelo said his 15-year-old client faces misdemeanor charges including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, and similarly disputes the allegations. 

“My client asserts her innocence,” he told NBC10, noting the case will now be decided in court.

Five teens in total were charged in the aftermath of the protest, which escalated into a physical altercation with police and was partially captured on video. One of those juveniles has accepted a deal from prosecutors that could lead to expungement of misdemeanor charges after completing six months of probation. Meanwhile, Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree remains out on workers’ compensation leave following reported injuries during the incident.

Trial dates for the remaining cases have not yet been set but are expected within the next month. 

Tony Di Domizio is the managing editor of CentralBucksNow. Email him at [email protected].