Kevin Gosztola: Charge Dropped Against Indigenous Journalist Known For DAPL Coverage

18.7.17

Charge Dropped Against Indigenous Journalist Known For DAPL Coverage: [shadowproof.com] On October 8, 2016, Dewey flew a drone, as part of what he called a “nonviolent drone direct action.” There were other drones up in the air, however, Dewey’s drone was singled out for allegedly flying over property owned by DAPL. He was pulled over in the evening, and police seized his drone.

Dewey was at the National UNITY Conference in Denver, which is a conference for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. He gave a presentation, and then the news of the dropped charges was reported to the young people at the conference.

Youth raised about $800 to help Dewey pay for attorney fees, but he told Shadowproof he plans to give the money to the Water Protector Legal Collective so that it supports other water protectors, who are more in need of support.

Bigger media outlets were requesting to come in and document his case. Dewey suggested that frightened prosecutors and convinced them to back away from the charge against him.

While there may be cause for celebration, Dewey was called by a newspaper in Bismarck and asked if prosecutors had filed additional charges against him. He was concerned this could happen.