Protesters arrested on ISU campus plead not guilty

Posted on May 23, 2024
Protesters on the Illinois State Universities campus. (WMBD-TV)

By WMBD-TV

NORMAL – Arraignments were held on Thursday for the seven demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza who were arrested on Illinois State University’s campus.

All seven pleaded not guilty to a count of criminal trespass to state land and criminal trespass to a building. The seven arrested include:

  • Steve Lazarov, 40, of Normal.
  • Jomareun Richardson, 21, Normal
  • Aiden Marcikic, 20, Mundelein, Ill.
  • Kevin Dion, 20, Normal
  • Jo Boedefeld, 21, Normal
  • Daniel Kimball, 20, Little York
  • Rebekah Mangels, 23, Normal

The protesters had met with ISU President Aondover Tarhule at his office in Hovey Hall on May 3. They allegedly remained in the office until the building closed, which was when they were removed from the building and charged with trespassing.

Criminal trespass to state land is a class A misdemeanor, and if guilty, the protesters could face up to 1 year in prison and/or a $2,500 fine. Criminal trespass to a building is a class B misdemeanor, and if guilty, the protesters could face up to 6 months in prison and/or a $1,500 fine.

All seven are represented by Attorney Sheryl Weikal from Weikal Law. They will all have a pre-trial hearing on July 9 at 1:30 p.m.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].

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