More than 50 students from the Fitchburg State University turned up at a Worcester Superior Court Wednesday in a show of solidarity for their fellow student, who is facing trial for allegedly carrying ammunition without license.
Andrew Despres, 20, was arrested from the Fitchburg campus by police for illegal possession of ammunition. The court trying the case, reduced cash bail for the defendant from $50,000 to $500, taking into account his financial position. Meanwhile, hundreds of students signed a petition seeking his release.
Despres of New Bedford, already has a troubled history as a student. He was arrested twice earlier and was also expelled from the college.
Last week, he was arrested for alleged possession of marijuana, knives and fireworks on campus. Next day he was arrested for trespassing Fitchburg State University without seeking prior permission to do so. Reports suggested that he entered the college to pick up his things. His misdemeanor was that he failed to keep the security in loop over his presence in the campus.
The police, who arrested Despres, found that he was wearing an ammunition belt, which later turned out to be a fake fashion belt. Baffled by the military-style belt, police charged him for carrying ammos.
The police were extra vigilant due to the recent school shooting incidents. He spent a week behind bars before his bail money was scaled down to $500.
According to reports, Despres' family also received some funds from other students in bailing him out.
His mother, Doreen Despres, said the belt was a post-punk fashion accessory she bought for her son online for $20, reported The Boston Globe.
Reports said that bullets in the belt were mere look-alikes and they were not live rounds.
Despres's grandmother said she believes court and campus officials overreacted in light of the Newtown, Conn., shooting and other events across the country. "He's such a good kid. He wouldn't hurt a fly," Barbara Despres said, according to the website.
According to reports, Despres has been granted cash bail on certain conditions, including home confinement in his mother's home, wearing a GPS bracelet and to remain off the Fitchburg university campus.
