Two I-93 Protesters Plead Guilty To Obstructing Emergency Vehicle
QUINCY (AP) — Two people charged with blocking a busy Boston-area highway during the morning commute last year, causing miles-long backups that prevented ambulances from reaching hospitals, have pleaded guilty but avoided jail time.
Prosecutors say 26-year-old Nelli Routsalainen, of Finland, formerly of Boston, and 24-year-old Jeremy Bingham, of West Virginia, formerly of Arlington, pleaded guilty Friday to willful obstruction of an emergency vehicle.
Both were sentenced to six months of probation and ordered to perform 60 hours of community service.
Prosecutors had asked for a three-month jail sentence.
They were among 11 people charged with blocking Interstate 93 in Milton on Jan. 15, 2015. Some chained themselves to concrete-filled barrels.
Black Lives Matter said at the time the protest was intended "to confront white complacency in the systemic oppression of black people."
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