Two teens involved in Quakertown anti-ICE protest appear in court

Two of the five teens at the center of a legal battle stemming from an altercation with Quakertown police earlier this year were back in court on Tuesday.

One defense lawyer told NBC10 his client learned in court that the most serious charge against her is being dropped. Another lawyer was hoping his 15-year-old client would be able to put all of this behind her. But as of now, both cases are headed to trial.

“It’s always been our position that my client is not guilty of anything, that we would like to see her exonerated,” said Defense Lawyer Timothy Prendergast.

Prendergast’s client is one of several teens involved in the violent altercation during an anti-ICE protest in Quakertown on Feb. 20. Parts of the incident were captured on video.

Prendergast said his 16-year-old client was placed in a chokehold by Quakertown police chief Scott McElree. He adds that the teen was charged with several offenses after the incident, including simple assault and disorderly conduct. The most serious one, felony aggravated assault, was dismissed by a Bucks County judge during Tuesday’s hearing.

“We are very pleased with the removal of the felonies. I’m pleased with the Commonwealth’s decision to do so. I think it’s the right thing to do, so I commend them for appropriate prosecution at this point,” said Prendergast.

A total of five teens were charged after the incident. One accepted an offer from the District Attorney’s office that allows him to have misdemeanor charges expunged if he successfully completes six months of probation.

At least one other teen also appeared in court Tuesday, represented by her defense attorney, Ettore Angelo.

“We were here I guess in hopes that there was gonna be some kind of a settlement. That did not come to fruition,” said Angelo.

Angelo’ said his client’s case is now headed to trial to face charges for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

“My client asserts her innocence. She feels as though she didn’t do anything wrong. So, we have to go to trial and let the judge determine whether she, in fact, committed either of these offenses,” Angelo said.

At last check, police chief Scott McElree was still out on workman’s compensation leave since the incident. The borough said he was injured in the scuffle.

“There’s a real feeling that the children are being held to the fire and he’s not and it’s a very difficult thing to overcome,” said Angelo.

NBC10 reached out to the police chief’s attorney on Tuesday but did not receive a comment. We are still waiting to hear back from the Quakertown solicitor and the Bucks County District Attorney.

Attorneys for the teens said a trial date has not yet been set but will be within 30 days.