2 activists ordered released from custody after Y-12 incident

By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Two of a trio of protestors in an incident at the Y-12 National Security Complex were ordered released from custody Friday.

Michael Walli, 63, Sister Megan Rice, 92, and Gregory Boertje-Obed, 57, were back in federal court in Knoxville for a hearing on their detainment. They were charged with trespassing at Y-12 and defacing a building on July 28.

Federal prosecutors had maintained the activists were a threat to the community and should be considered a flight risk.

Walli and Rice were ordered released on several conditions including: not violating state or local law, advising officials if they change their address or phone number, appearing in court as required, submitting to the supervision of the U.S. probation office, not obtaining a passport and having restricted travel, avoiding contact with any victim or witness of the event including anyone at Y-12, not having weapons, and reporting any run-ins with law enforcement.

Another condition of Rice's release is that she must provide a set address where she'll be staying.

If they violate any of the terms of their release, they're subject to arrest.

Boertje-Obed had waived his detention hearing so he remains in custody.

A new criminal complaint was filed in court Friday for allegedly willfully and maliciously disturbing property at Y-12. These are felony charges instead of the original misdemeanor charges.