Former Binghamton Mayor Fighting Wegmans Protest Charge in Court

Matthew Ryan, the former mayor of Binghamton, is still conducting a legal battle in connection with his arrest outside a Wegmans store ten months ago.

Ryan was one of 15 people who were charged by Johnson City police who shut down a protest held by people in the aftermath of the death of Tyre Nichols. He died after being beaten by Memphis police officers.

Ryan has said he was not a protester. He said he had been there "to be a legal observer" of what was taking place outside the Wegmans store on Harry L. Drive.

Ryan told WNBF News he is scheduled to appear in Johnson City village court on Friday. He said he wants the judge to issue an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal so the charge could be dropped if he stayed out of trouble for six months.

Ryan, who was the Democratic candidate for Broome County district attorney in the November election, insisted he did nothing wrong at Wegmans. He said he was observing the protest after he made a purchase at the store.

Ryan said he believes he was arrested because of his past efforts to document improper procedures used by Johnson City police officers.

The village police department issued a retraction of part of an initial news release concerning Ryan's actions at Wegmans.

The agency said after a "more extensive review" of store video, Ryan in fact "did buy groceries prior to the start of the event." The department said "we apologize for stating that he lied about that fact."

Ryan said many people who had heard news reports about the original police department statement were unaware of the apology. He said he believes his arrest outside Wegmans cost him votes in the election for district attorney.

As for Friday's court date, Ryan indicated he hopes the DA' s office will agree to an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Otherwise, he said, he expects the judge will set a trial date.

Ryan and the others who were charged outside the Johnson City store last February were banned from entering Wegman for two years.

LISTEN: Matthew Ryan discusses the Wegmans protest in a WNBF Radio interview on February 3, 2023.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.