By Associated Press - Tuesday, June 16, 2020

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Prosecutors in Omaha have agreed to drop misdemeanor charges against scores of people who were arrested for violating a curfew during protests two weeks ago.

The decision comes too late for at least six people who have already pleaded guilty or no contest and were sentenced to seven days in jail, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

Some 200 people were arrested for breaking curfew May 31 through June 2 at protests over the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and City Prosecutor Matt Kuhse said at a news conference Monday that charges against those with no criminal history will be dropped and their bail refunded. Those with a criminal history will either be entered into a pretrial diversion program or fined $50.

Asked about the handful of people who already entered pleas and have been sentenced to jail, Kuhse said it was likely those people either were unable to pay the $250 bail to be released from jail or had criminal histories. He did not offer any remedy for the disparity.

“Our office recommended the seven days, and the person took it,” Kuhse said. “They weren’t forced to take it.”

The protests in Omaha later evolved into civil unrest after police fired tear gas and pepper balls at protesters following the May 30 shooting death of a 22-year-old African American protester. James Scurlock was killed by a white downtown Omaha business owner following a scuffle. Prosecutors initially declined to charge Scurlock, saying he acted in self-defense, but later agreed to turn the case over to a special prosecutor and call a grand jury to see whether he should face charges.

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