Michael Schmidt and supporters outside the West Grey police office on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015.
(Photo by Kirk Scott)Michael Schmidt and supporters outside the West Grey police office on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. (Photo by Kirk Scott)
Midwestern

Michael Schmidt Jailed By West Grey Police

Durham-area farmer Michael Schmidt is now out of jail, after spending the night behind bars.
He says he was taken from his cell this morning by three West Grey police officers and forced to be fingerprinted before they let him go.
The raw milk activist was charged last week with Theft and Mischief, related to his discovery of surveillance cameras near his farm. He was ordered to appear Monday night at the West Grey police office to be fingerprinted and have a mugshot taken.

He showed up along with about 100 supporters who gathered in the parking lot. He went in the office but refused to be fingerprinted so the police held him overnight.

Before going in, he told reporters he had to stand up for his rights.

"If you always let the state get away with everything people don't wake up so in a way maybe it's my role, not intentionally, but eventually end up in jail but for a good purpose."

Michael Schmidt has been fighting authorities for 20 years over his unpasteurized milk operation.

He's due in court next Monday October 26th at 9:30 in Walkerton to face the charges.

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