Saratoga Black Lives Matter organizers respond to AG probe – Spectrum News

Organizers with Black Lives Matter in Saratoga Springs said Thursday that they will file complaints against a couple of former city officials. This comes after an investigation and report released by state Attorney General Letitia James' office found the ex-elected officials colluded with law enforcement to intimidate and arrest BLM protesters in 2021.

Group members called the report confirmation of corruption in city government, not only in the Spa City, but across the country, that is interfering with rightful dissent. At least a couple dozen advocates rallied on the steps of Saratoga Springs City Hall to share their thoughts on the report.

The AG's investigation found former Mayor Meg Kelly and former Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton ordered Police Chief Shane Crooks to arrest protesters. In a series of texts, the former mayor said, I hate these people, good job tonight, according to the report. This was after five protesters were arrested on July 14 because of warrants, according to Crooks.

The AGs report claims there were no warrants.

The report also shows Kelly prompted Child Protective Services to investigate Lexis Figuereo, a prominent BLM organizer, and the mother of his children. The inquiry was unfounded.

Kelly released a statement Wednesday afternoon.

The statements contained in the Attorney Generals report that I was not fully cooperative with the inquiry are patently false," she said.

She released her attorney's letter to the AG's office, responding to the report. Dalton has not returned a Spectrum News 1 request for comment.

A dozen other protesters were arrested over the course of two months after the July demonstration for minor offenses. All those charges have since been dismissed.

An attorney representing several people involved with Saratoga BLM said the report provides a blueprint of what comes next.

We cannot allow any governmental body in New York state to tolerate, or to ignore, the depths of racism, the history of racism, the legacy of racism and the current pain caused by existing racism in their communities, Mark Mishler said.

There has been some turnover in city government during this investigation, including Kelly and Dalton. Current Mayor John Safford declined an on-camera interview Thursday, but provided a statement.

The New York State Attorney General's Office has released its report, findings and recommendations following its investigation into incidents which occurred in 2021 involving members of the City of Saratoga Springs Police Department. City officials are now reviewing the report, learning from its content, and proceeding with the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices to address the recommendations made by the Attorney General's Office. There are several areas in the report for which the City will seek additional clarity from the Attorney General but, first and foremost, the City is committed to continuous improvement in service to the public.

Figuereo expressed dissatisfaction with members of the new administration.

Weve heard John Stafford speak about BLM a lot. Weve heard Tim Coll talk about BLM a lot. I havent had one phone call with Tim Coll, I havent had one phone call from John Stanford, he said. I have not seen them try to bridge any gaps whatsoever, what Ive seen is them creating more of a gap in our community.

The group says it remains committed to making change and will make its presence known for as long as it takes.

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Saratoga Black Lives Matter organizers respond to AG probe - Spectrum News