Thanks to the Keene Sentinel’s Phil Bantz for his follow up article covering the Keene Police dropping charges against Cassidy Nicosia. Thanks also to Jay Dugay of KPD for admitting his officers were wrong. It’s rare to see that level of integrity in police departments these days. Here’s the story:
Charge dropped against teenager
Free Stater went topless in city
By PHILLIP BANTZ
Sentinel Staff
Cassidy Nicosia, 18, of Manchester no longer faces a misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure and lewdness.
Nicosia was arrested Aug. 23 after police received complaint calls about a topless teenager standing near the Main-Marlboro-Winchester streets roundabout with a handgun holstered on her hip.
State law does not require residents to have permits to openly carry guns, and she was not charged with any firearm-related crimes.
Last week, police prosecutors D. Chris McLaughlin and Eliezer Rivera decided to drop the charge of indecent exposure and lewdness against Nicosia. The charge was dropped because walking down the street topless does not qualify as a crime under state law, Keene police Lt. Jay U. Duguay said.
The law states that a person commits indecent exposure and lewdness if he or she fornicates, exposes genitals or performs any other “act of gross lewdness … likely to cause affront or alarm” in public.
Events, especially arrests, related to movers and FreeKeene participants are often busy times, and therefore, stories that are started don’t always get completed here on the blog. The following is a roundup of some of the recent activity, and how it concluded or what stage it is at.
Jesse’s arrest and trial for gardening – Jesse was found guilty, but was recently told by the court that “It is too expensive” to go after him, and they are closing the fine against him.
The Disorderly 6’s arrest and trials –
Richard O: Charges Dropped
Nick R: Still awaiting verdict over 30 days after trial
Patrick S: Guilty of resisting arrest – Sentence suspended
Tim D: Charges Dropped
Kurt H: Awaiting trial
David K: Guilty of disorderly conduct with a $250 fine — “paid” with 6 days in jail
Kurt Hoffman and his various spouts with police – Kurt is free on a $1000 cash bond. He’s awaiting trial on counts of assaulting a police officer (for rolling up his window while an officer was trying to reach in the car), disobeying a police officer (for not giving up his registration), unsafe driving (for driving with a dog on his lap), and others I believe.
Sam’s Camera trials –
Day 1 of his trial is online, and day 2 is being worked on in the next week. His trial has completed without a ruling yet, as Judge Burke reviews more motions.
Did I miss anything you’ve been wondering about? Let me know and I’ll try to bring the update.
Word just came in through Porc 411 that Cassidy Nicosia’s “Indecent Exposure” charge has been dropped by KPD’s prosecutor, Eli Rivera. Does this mean the KPD is liable for false arrest, kidnapping, or official oppression? I don’t know, but I forgive them for what they’ve done and would encourage them to leave peaceful people alone in the future. Thankfully, now Cassidy doesn’t need to be concerned about being deemed a “sex offender” for acting as free as her male counterparts.
Some liberty ladies had scheduled another topless event in advance of Cassidy’s arraignment, so will that event occur or be rescheduled? I’ll let you know.
Also, here was the Ridley Report’s coverage of the topless outreach event arrest, which did not get pulled from Youtube as our original footage did:
See local liberty activist Sam Dodson defend against the mighty state of New Hampshire. This is the blowout extravaganza event of the year – you won’t wanna miss! Witnesses will be called! Ritualistic costumes will be worn! Motions will be made! Armed security will be on hand to keep O-R-D-E-R! Their court will be moved!
Act now to get your front row seat, to “have a seat” before time runs out!
I like to hang around during office hours with the staff of Jeanne Shaheen the US Senator. I may be one of the local “businessmen” who uses government for my own benefit. Do you know anything about me? Please share your information in a comment below.
In unrelated news, Shaheen has updated office hours, and she apparently doesn’t want to hear from Keene. The closest location to share your concerns is now over an hour away.
Today as activists attempted to gather at Vendetta for Social Sundays they discovered Vendetta was no longer allowing in people under 21. Vendetta staff apologized and explained it was because their insurance policy only covers people 21 and up. As Social Sundays is an all-ages event, a new location was chosen just down Main St: Armadillo’s Burritos.
Armadillo’s is a liberty activist favorite. They have affordable food, big portions, no table service, adult beverages, and an open, inviting environment. It’s actually appropriate that this change happened at this time. Last week Vendetta had begun to feel a bit cramped as over 40 people were attending Social Sundays! Now at Armadillo’s, we’ll have better deals on food and more floorspace. Sometimes the seating arrangements at Vendetta didn’t really help bring new people into conversations. At Armadillo’s, things are far more spread out – everyone will have easy access to any table’s conversation they’d like to take part in. Plus, people who aren’t alcohol consumers will feel more welcome, with various beverages available.
So, join us for Social Sundays, now starting at 5pm, ending whenever (they close at 7pm), now at Armadillo’s Burritos at 82 Main St. in Keene. Call 603-358-3700 if you are having trouble finding the place, but it’s right next to Railroad Square, the same place we hold Free Keene Fest. Those who have been reading this blog for a while know that one of the coolest things about Armadillo’s is they are always happy to let us use their power for Free Keene Fest. Vendetta is still a great place for adults to consume alcohol, but it’s time for Social Sundays to expand and Armadillo’s is the perfect location.
It’s been one month now since the July 27 Trial of “Disorderly” Nick Ryder. Judge Burke said at the end of the trial that he would be sending written notification of Ryder’s verdict to him through the mail. Since then, there has been no mail from the court. About a week and a half ago, Ryder also went to the court to check in person for updates to his case, and there were none. He was also told that the judge typically has 30 days to issue a verdict, but of course, what is his penalty if he does not?
Once an update is received, it will be posted to FreeKeene.com
Thanks to the Keene Sentinel’s Phil Bantz for his follow up article covering the Keene Police dropping charges against Cassidy Nicosia. Thanks also to Jay Dugay of KPD for admitting his officers were wrong. It’s rare to see that level of integrity in police departments these days. Here’s the story:
Today as activists attempted to gather at Vendetta for 
