PLOT Protestors Plead Not Guilty in Binghamton Court

Four people who were charged with disorderly conduct after the Binghamton Columbus Day Parade and Tournament of Bands was disrupted October 14 remain free following their first appearance in City Court.

Pleas of not guilty were filed for the four members of Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow, or “PLOT” while legal counsel is set up for them.

The four were among a group that blocked the parade route to protest conditions at the Broome County Jail.

36-year-old Masai Andrews of Endwell, 33-year-old Erik Goetz of Endicott, 27-year-old Sham-Al-Din Yasin Harper of Binghamton and 36-year-old Jordan Helin could face a couple weeks in the Broome County Jail and up to a $250 fine if convicted.

The next appearance in City Court is scheduled for November 4.

Over 3-dozen people turned out at court October 21 in support of the defendants and a demonstration was held outside of Binghamton City Hall.

PLOT says conditions at the Broome County Jail are unsanitary and unsafe and point to ten deaths of inmates at the jail since 2011.