Dickson, who considers Goodman to be a journalist, said he is not pleased with the charges against her, blasting them as "unamerican."

"You don't arrest reporters," he said. "I think the government is overplaying its hand."

He said Goodman is returning to North Dakota, because "she's a professional, and she wants to deal with it and defend herself."

Goodman has received several awards for her reporting, including the George Polk Award.

Goodman was charged in Morton County on Sept. 8 with one count of trespassing, based on video footage of her at a protest site on private property during Labor Day weekend, according to court records. A warrant was issued for her arrest.

She reported on a clash between protesters and private security at an active construction site south of Mandan that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe said contained historic artifacts. Three guards were reportedly injured, and several protesters said they were pepper-sprayed and bitten by dogs handled by the security personnel. The North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board has since opened an investigation into the use of dogs at the site.

If convicted, Goodman could face up to 30 days in prison and a $1,500 fine.

A court date for her initial appearance has not yet been set.

Reach Caroline Grueskin at 701-250-8225 or at caroline.grueskin@bismarcktribune.com

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