July 21, 2009

Press Release 7/21/09

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

            The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Police Department have recommended to the Middlesex County District Attorney that the criminal charge against Professor Gates not proceed.  Therefore, in the interests of justice, the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has agreed to enter a nolle prosequi in this matter.

            The City of Cambridge, the Cambridge Police Department, and Professor Gates acknowledge that the incident of July 16, 2009 was regrettable and unfortunate.  This incident should not be viewed as one that demeans the character and reputation of Professor Gates or the character of the Cambridge Police Department.  All parties agree that this is a just resolution to an unfortunate set of circumstances.

Contact Information:

Walter Prince, Prince Lobel Glovsky and Tye  617-456-8000

Professor Charles Ogletree, Harvard Law School  617-495-5097

Robert Haas, Commissioner  617-349-3235

Gerard Leone, DA  781-897-8325