Final RNC 8 defendants to accept plea deal next week

The four remaining RNC 8 defendants, including a former University of Minnesota student, will accept plea agreements in Ramsey County court Tuesday morning.

 Rob Czernik, Garret Fitzgerald, Nathanael Secor and former student Max Specktor will accept the non-cooperating plea agreements, according to an RNC 8 press release. They had been charged with conspiracy to commit a riot and conspiracy to commit criminal damage during the Republican National Convention in St. Paul in 2008.

According to a RNC 8 press release, the plea deal is expected to ensure a more “favorable” sentence.

“The RNC 8 defendants wish to thank their supporters in this community,

and in communities all across the country, who raised funds for their

legal defense and stood with them for more than two years,” said Melissa Hill, of the RNC 8 Defense Committee, in a press release.

“The court hearing on Tuesday will provide an opportunity for a final show of court solidarity, and allow all of the RNC 8 defendants to express their gratitude to those who have supported them through this legal ordeal,” Hill said.

The hearing will take place Tuesday morning at 9 a.m at the Ramsey County Courthouse.