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Mohawk Pleads Guilty In GM Protest

Story Published: Dec 11, 2012 at 4:25 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 11, 2012 at 4:25 PM EDT

A Mohawk traditionalist who dug up part of a capped toxic landfill at the former General Motors plant in Massena has pleaded guilty to criminal mischief charges just prior to his trial in St. Lawrence County Court.
 
Larry Thompson, 57, told the court he was not trying to cause anyone harm but he had "no regrets" for driving a backhoe through a fence at the former plant site in August 2011 and digging up the contaminated soil.

Thompson lives on property next to the landfill remains.

Thompson says he, like many Mohawks in Akwesasne, was frustrated that the Environmental Protection Agency had allowed the company to cap the toxic materials on site and not remove them. 

Thompson was allowed to plead to a reduced misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree criminal mischief.

He is to be sentenced March 25.

See our earlier report
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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