The Saratoga County district attorney is challenging last month's decision by a Saratoga Springs judge to drop charges filed against Jamaica Miles.
District Attorney Karen Heggen announced Friday she had filed a notice of appeal challenging the dropping of unlawful imprisonment and disorderly conduct charges filed against Miles, a member of the Schenectady Board of Education who was one of several activists arrested in the city during the summer.
Miles and other demonstrators were accused of blocking traffic while protesting comments made by the Saratoga Springs assistant police chief.
On Friday, Heggen said the decision to dismiss by Saratoga Springs Judge Francine Vero sends the wrong message.
"I'm concerned that this sends the wrong message that someone can violate the law and stop traffic, but if you have a background of involvement with the community and family, that can sway a court to dismiss the charges against you," Heggen said.
All of Us, a community action group co-founded by Miles, responded.
"The dangerous precedent that is being set here is one that allows a district attorney, or any other elected or appointed official, to abuse the power of their office to silence and/or punish those they disagree with," the group said in a statement.