Farmington Hills Attorney Says 'Occupy' Protest Mission Was All About Jobs

The attorney for five protesters who wouldn't leave the Oakland County Republican Party's headquarters during an "Occupy" protest last month said the group was committed to getting answers, but didn't intend to break the law.

"This was a peaceful protest and they went to GOP headquarters in Oakland County for answers about why Republican congressmen wouldn't sign a pending jobs bill," said Farmington Hills-based defense attorney Raymond Cassar after the protesters pleaded guilty to trespassing in 48th District Court Wednesday.

Darryl Alston, Tyraan Chauncey, Tinia Fleming, Earraina Jones and Jaylen Jordan each pleaded guilty to one count; Magistrate Howard Linden ordered each to pay $200 in fines. Each defendant was freed on $100 bond, which Linden said would be applied to their fines, according to the Detroit News.

They each face up to 93 days in jail on the misdemeanor charges.

Cassar said the demonstrators were among nearly 150 who chanted slogans and carried signs while walking into the office building. The group, called Good Jobs Now, planned their demonstration to coincide with other area protests tied to the "Occupy Wall Street" movement occurring around the country.

Police were called and gave protesters an opportunity to leave, Cassar said. The five who stayed were committed to get answers, but trespassed on private property.

"I just want a job," Alston, an unemployed auto detailer, told the newspaper. "I have a family to feed. That's all this was about."

Dennis Pittman, executive director of the county party, told the group, "If I had jobs, I would give them to you," on Oct. 17, the News reported. He then suggested they might be better served by talking with their own state and federal legislators.

Cassar said none of his clients had prior criminal records or warrants that complicated the cases.

"They were peaceful protesters, and it was heartfelt to represent them because we need jobs in this country," he said.