State Attorney Bill Eddins announces that on May 16, 2012, Melody Castro was convicted of Trespass by an Escambia County Jury.
On December 16, 2011, Castro was attending an Occupy Pensacola protest. Pensacola Police Officers arrived at the City Hall where the protest was being held and informed the defendant what would constitute a trespass and what property to stay off. After being instructed by the officers, Castro ignored those instructions and intentionally trespassed on city property.
Melody Castro was tried together with her co-defendant David Burden before one Escambia County Jury. Burden was found not guilty. He was represented by Eric Stevenson. Melody Castro was represented by Gene Mitchell.
Judge Thomas Dannheisser scheduled sentencing for May 23, 2012. Melody Castro faces a maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a $1000 fine.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant State Attorney Stephen Luongo prosecuted the case.