After 9 months of vengeful and unrelenting pursuit of a conviction by the Cook County (Illinois) State’s Attorney and the Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago (EHSC), videographer Gregory Koger was found guilty on August 26th of trespass, resisting a police officer, and battery for the “crime” of videotaping a brief but newsworthy statement by Sunsara Taylor at the EHSC.

Gregory was maced and brutalized during the arrest, and this was acknowledged by police at trial, yet he was the one charged and now found guilty.

The courtroom was continually packed with supporters of Gregory who were stunned and outraged by the verdict. Then the judge furthered this shameful persecution by taking the almost unprecedented step of revoking bond after a misdemeanor conviction. Gregory was taken directly from the courtroom to the Cook County Jail until sentencing on September 8. He could be sentenced to substantial time in jail.

Gregory’s lawyer, Scott Frankel said, “I am unbelievably disappointed with the verdict and I know we will appeal. Gregory is a fine man and does not deserve this. I was stunned by the Court's decision to revoke Gregory's bond.” A motion for an order to reinstate Gregory’s bond will be filed immediately.

Supporters went straight from the suburban courthouse to the jail to protest and demand “Hands Off Gregory.” This was really welcomed by people coming in and out of the jail, by people driving by, and most of all, by prisoners in the windows and in the yard as the protesters chanted, “Videotaping is not a crime, Gregory Koger should not do time, Free Gregory Koger!” and “No Justice, No Peace, No Brutalizing Police!” and “Gregory Koger: Watch His Back!”

WE DENOUNCE THIS OUTRAGEOUS VERDICT!

WE DEMAND REINSTATEMENT of BOND and GREGORY’S IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM JAIL!

FREE GREGORY KOGER! NO JAIL TIME!

"I am astonished by the extreme measures taken against Gregory Koger, all for a misdemeanor charge. This is not justice, especially for a person of his moral standing."

-Fr. Robert Bossie, SCJ

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Send this newsflash to everyone you know. Join us on Facebook, invite your friends, and use Twitter, and the list serves you are on to get this out everywhere

Immediately send statements of support for Gregory to the defense committee ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Donate money for the appeal. Go to the defense committee website for more information (www.dropthecharges.net)

Show your support - come to the sentencing hearing on September 8 (in the Chicago area):

9:30 am, Wed., Sept 8

Cook County Courthouse

5600 W. Old Orchard Road

Skokie, IL

9:30 am, Wed., Sept 8 Cook County Courthouse 5600 W. Old Orchard Road Skokie, IL More information will be coming; keep in touch with the Ad Hoc Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

People v Koger



To the Judge:



We the undersigned strongly urge that Gregory Koger not be given jail time for these misdemeanor convictions. The extremely unusual revocation of bond for a misdemeanor conviction should be reversed so he can be free to work on his appeal. Far from a “menace to society,” Gregory has overcome his troubled youth, transformed his life, and become an inspiration for all those seeking justice and a better world.

Click here to add your name to the petition. Click here to spread the word on Facebook.