Three men charged with misdemeanors for obstructing traffic on several Columbia roadways during a demonstration in July had their cases recently held for court.

After a preliminary hearing for Carlos Jimenez Jr., Alaak Deu, and Justin K. Pitt, District Judge Miles Bixler found that enough evidence was presented to bound over the cases for disposition in Lancaster County Court.

Jimenez, 22, Deu, 21 and Pitt, 19, each are charged with obstruction of highways, a third-degree misdemeanor.

At the preliminary hearing Wednesday, District Judge Bixler set bail for each man at $2,500 unsecured. They are presumed innocent.

Assistant District Attorney Kyle Linardo presented evidence at the preliminary hearing that the three men are leaders of the organization, Green Dreamz, and coordinated protest activities on July 28.

Columbia Borough police Detective Matthew Leddy and Officer Dave Souders testified that police met with the group a week before the demonstration and advised them they would be charged if they blocked public roadways.

Police also warned the group on July 28, when they met at Makle Park in Columbia.

The group told police they would not be abiding by the directives. The group marched in the streets.

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office does not object to peaceful protest when done lawfully and with respect for other people and property.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright