Jeremy Ashley
Friday, January 12, 2007 - 10:00
Belleville Intelligencer
Two native protesters who were at the centre of the most recent dispute near Deseronto Wednesday have been arrested on criminal charges in connection to a Nov. 15 demonstration.
On that date, they had been protesting a disputed land claim in Deseronto, 15 km east of Belleville, which continues to be at the centre of a dispute and led to a demonstration at a gravel quarry this week.
Warrants were issued for the pair following an investigation into a confrontation between members of the Canadian army who were stopped en route to a training exercise on Nov. 15 at the site of a native protest on Highway 2.
Friday, an officer with the Napanee detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police pulled over a vehicle on Deseronto Road, just north of County Road 2, for a traffic violation, explained OPP Sgt. Kristine Rae.
During the course of the traffic stop, the individual in the vehicle made a cell phone call, Rae said, and the two accused showed up at the scene moments later.
“The officer was aware of the two warrants for the individuals and (after he identified the men) their arrests were made without incident,” Rae said,
“Officers want to ensure that everyone is aware that the OPP respects lawful protests, but will not tolerate criminal activity.”
Charged with three counts of uttering death threats are Shawn Michael Brant, 42, of Tyendinaga.
Charged with two counts of assault and one count of mischief is Mario Michael Baptiste Jr., 21, also of Tyendinaga.
Both are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing Friday in Napanee.