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Local businesses suing 90 protesters for property damage during Cincinnati riots
[WKRC] A local real estate company is suing dozens of protesters in a class action lawsuit.Several nights of protests that turned to riots left buildings in Cincinnati neighborhoods damaged. Court St. Executive Suites fell victim. Now, they are suing to pay for the damages. "The windows were broken and some sort of contaminant was thrown inside the building on furniture, the walls, and the carpeting," said Blessing. Attorney Bill Blessing represents the business. The suit wants to represent other businesses that were looted, vandalized, or damaged during the unrest. It is targeting 90 protesters who were arrested. "Each of those people were arrested in connection with the rioting. Some were charged with more serious crimes, some less serious. All were non-compliant with police orders," said Blessing. Defense attorney Erik Laursen represents a person named in the lawsuit. He said his client was peacefully protesting and wasn’t arrested in the Court St. area. "The one person that I am representing, his case has already been dismissed and expunged. Yet, he is named in this lawsuit," said Laursen. The suit alleges the 90 people were aiding, abetting, or promoting riotous acts. "I’m not sure where all of these allegations are coming from, other than a desire to try and bring a bunch of OTR, Walnut Hills, and Clifton Heights businesses together against the protests," said Laursen. Blessing told Local 12 Ohio law says the city cannot be held responsible. His client wants those who damaged property to pay. "We learned in kindergarten you clean up your own mess," said Blessing. "That is what we are seeking to have them do. It’s something very primary." The first court date will be in December. Related: Cincinnati: 2020-10-13 Joe Morgan passed on at 77 Cincinnati: 2020-09-05 Ohio sheriff issues warning: 'You shoot at police, expect us to shoot back' Cincinnati: 2020-08-27 Portland: Solidarity with our @trailblazers and NBA players around the country standing up for justice Posted by: trailing wife 2020-10-19 |
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