Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty in Minnesota Church Protest Case

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon pleaded not guilty on Feb. 12 to violating federal civil rights laws through involvement with a Minnesota church protest last month. Lemon and eight other defendants have been charged with one count of “conspiracy against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship” under 18 U.S. Code § 241. They are also charged with one count of injuring, intimidating, or interfering with the right of religious freedom at a place of worship under 18 USC § 248. Together, the charges carry a fine of up to $20,000 and a maximum of 10 1/2 years in prison. The indictment alleges that Lemon and others “oppressed, threatened, and intimidated” members of the congregation. At one point, the indictment says, Lemon and other protesters approached the pastor of the church and “peppered him with questions to promote the operation’s message.”...