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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Black Lives founder Alexis Figuereo pleaded not guilty on April 24 to charges of obstructing governmental administration - a misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct - a violation, in connection with an alleged fracas that occurred two hours into an April 4 City Council meeting. He is scheduled to return to court on May 8.
Bridgette Barr was charged with obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct related to her alleged actions during the same April 4 meeting. The city’s official video record of the meeting depicts Barr apparently grabbing a microphone set on a stand for public comment use, unfastening a thin barrier that separates members of the council and the public, and approaching the council table.
Inside the courtroom on April 24, Barr made a series of loud outbursts. Medical assistance personnel were eventually summoned to the scene and she was taken to a medical transport vehicle outside of City Hall. Her attorney provided “no comment” immediately following Barr’s court appearance when asked about the case
A disorderly conduct charge made against Saratoga BLM member Chandler Hickenbottom was also forwarded in Saratoga Springs City Court on April 24. Hickenbottom had previously pleaded not guilty to the violation, in connection with the disruption of a Feb. 7 City Council meeting. The charge was requested by City Council member and Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino.
“There’s a proposal to resolve her non-criminal disorderly conduct charge with an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal – which means the case is adjourned for 6 months and dismissed,” said Hickenbottom’s attorney, Mark Mishler. “We appreciate that proposal, it’s under consideration (but) the truth is that charge could simply be dismissed.” Hickenbottom, who is Figuereo’s sister, is currently evaluating the proposal, Mishler said.
Mechanicville Judge Constantine DeStefano presided over each of the three cases on April 24.
“I speak very loudly, passionately. It’s dear to my heart. This is about my community, about making changes in my community,” Figuereo said, standing on the steps of City Hall shortly after his court appearance Monday morning.
“For a year-and-a-half, Saratoga Black Lives Matter has participated at all City Council meetings – speaking quietly, speaking calmly - waiting, waiting, waiting for change to actually happen. No changes had been made in Saratoga Springs that entire time,” he said. “We started speaking out in a tone that was saying: we’re not playing games here. Demanding change, not asking or waiting for it (and) that’s when things started changing,” Figuereo said, citing specifically last week’s 4-1 council approval that restricts no-knock warrants in the city.
“When we talk quietly, nothing happens. When we talk loudly, changes happen,” Figuereo said, adding, “our words are not violent.”
