They were arrested March 4 after protesting the consumer products company's use of palm oil from a supplier Greenpeace says is tied to tropical forest destruction. Protesters slipped past security and used zip lines to unfurl giant banners from P&G's two towers, while a helicopter filmed the protest.
A grand jury indicted them on burglary and vandalism counts carrying possible sentences of nine-plus years in prison and USD 20,000 in fines with convictions.
Defense attorneys indicated today they wanted to see proof of damages to the P&G buildings, which Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters has said totaled USD 17,000, mainly to windows with broken locks.
Attorney William Gallagher said earlier that the defense questions the damage amount and the level of charges brought against the activists.
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"The outcome of these charges will be determined by the facts of the defendants' conduct, and the law," P&G spokesman Paul Fox said today. He added that the damage figure comes from a repair company's estimate, and referred other questions to the prosecutor's office.
Local authorities were stunned by the security breach at P&G, known for restricting access to protect its personnel and its innovations on such best-selling brands as Pampers diapers and Tide detergent. Cincinnati's police chief called for a security meeting with downtown businesses.