Alejandro Orellana, an East L.A. activist facing federal charges for allegedly passing out masks and water to demonstrators at a recent protest, pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment Thursday morning in downtown L.A.
Orellana, a longtime member of the Boyle Heights-based grassroots organization Centro CSO, is charged with conspiracy to commit civil disorder and aiding and abetting civil disorder. Each charge carries a maximum five-year sentence in federal prison.
Wearing black slacks and a gray shirt, Orellana appeared at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown L.A., accompanied by his lawyer, Public Defender Shannon Coit. Family members and friends packed the courtroom, sitting quietly in solidarity with Orellana.
Allegations include distributing protective gear during unrest
The charges against Orellana, 29, stem from a June 9 protest in downtown L.A…