The anti- abortion activist who was charged for making controversial Planned Parenthood video rejected a plea deal probation offer. The man created the video in order to publicly criticized nonprofit. He surrendered to the Texas authorities.
David Daleiden turn himself to authorities, faces the charges of felony and misdemeanor with $3000 on bail. The activist already stood on two court trials Thursday before he was offered for a pretrial diversion by the prosecutors, ABC News reported. The offered is a kind of probation that will prevent him from being jailed and will dismissed the charges against him.
However, according to Daleiden's defense lawyer, Terry Yates said his client was not interested on accepting the said plea offer. He also said that Daleinden is also prepared to go all the way to trial. "The only thing we're going to accept right now is an apology", he added. Sandra Merritt, his co-defendant and fellow activist was also offered with pretrial diversion. Harris County District Attorney's Office spokesman said it is a common offer for a first time "non violent offenders"
Merritt was also charged along with Daleiden regarding the said video, surrendered herself to the authorities, Wednesday. She was later released with a reduced bail of $2000. According to Daily Mail, Daleiden, 27 years old was charged with misdemeanor for purchasing human organs. Their defense lawyers also said they are planning to plead not guilty over the indictment charges.
After the trial, Daleiden was seen briefly thanking his supporters who camped out for a rally outside the Houston courthouse. Daleiden had also considered himself as a citizen journalist, criticizing Texas authorities for not being able to prosecute Planned Parenthood. Both Daleiden and Merritt, who are from California, were indicted Jan. 25 on the said charges.
The said video showed them posing as representatives of a company called BioMax, which purportedly procured fetal tissue for research. Planned Parenthood has said the fake company offered to pay the "astronomical amount" of $1,600 for organs from a fetus. The clinic said it never agreed.
© 2023 Lawyer Herald All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Get the Most Popular Lawyerherald Stories in a Weekly Newsletter
Join the Discussion
Related Articles
