Decatur, Ga.- Today, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office handled the First Appearance Hearings for five individuals charged with Domestic Terrorism and other related offenses. These cases stem from violent acts and trespassing at the planned site of a new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center in unincorporated DeKalb. During the court proceeding, the Defendants were advised of the charges against them. At this time, each Defendant will remain jailed without a bond.

The charges are the result of a joint operation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, DeKalb County Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, and several additional law enforcement agencies on Tuesday. Barricades were illegally constructed and placed at the location, blocking entrances to the site. During an attempt to remove these barricades, DeKalb County Firefighters, Atlanta Police Department officers and a patrol car were attacked with rocks and incendiary weapons.

“I strongly believe in the right to peacefully protest for what one believes is right and just,” said District Attorney Sherry Boston. “However, I draw the line at violence, destruction of property, and threatening and causing harm to others. My office will always stand up to protect the citizens of DeKalb County. The alleged acts of violence at the training facility site put the public in grave danger, and will not be tolerated.”

The following individuals arrested on Tuesday will remain in custody:

Francis Carroll, age 22, of Maine

Charges: Domestic Terrorism, Aggravated Assault, Interference with Government Property, and Criminal Trespass

Nicholas D. Olson, age 25, of Nebraska

Charges: Domestic Terrorism, Aggravated Assault, and Interference with Government Property

Serena Hertel, age 25, of California

Charges: Domestic Terrorism, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Trespass  

Leonard Vioselle, age 20, of Macon, GA

Charges: Domestic Terrorism and Criminal Trespass

Arieon Robinson, age 22, of Wisconsin

Charges: Domestic Terrorism and Criminal Trespass

The investigation of the incident on Tuesday, as well as the series of violent criminal acts that have occurred at the site is ongoing. Criminal activity in protest of the training center has included property destruction, arson, and attacks against contractors and public safety officials approaching the site.

Once the investigation is complete, the cases will be turned over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office who will jointly prosecute the case.