LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Day two of the trial against a Lexington protester is underway.

Sarah Williams is facing a number of charges including inciting a riot. She is among at least a dozen others charged during a protest against racial injustice and inequality.

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Monday, Fayette County Attorney Larry Roberts subpoenaed April Taylor to testify against her sister, Sarah Williams. Tueday morning, the judge denied that subpoena.

Taylor’s attorney argued that, in Kentucky, the prosecution may not call a witness knowing that the witness will invoke his or her fifth amendment rights. After the subpoena was denied, Taylor’s attorney and the judge asked Taylor to leave the courtroom, which she did.

Tuesday, we heard from several Lexington police officers who were patrolling the Black Lives Matter protests. The prosecutor and defense attorney focused on the night protesters had a die-in demonstration in front of Lexington police headquarters.

Defense attorney Daniel Whitley noted that protestors went over a barricade and laid on the ground in silence to honor George Floyd. Those protestors were later arrested.

Whitley cross-examined Officer Zachary Ridener, the Lexington police officer who arrested Sarah Williams. Whitley asked Ridener to explain how Williams resisted arrest. The officer stated Williams moved her hands as he handcuffed her.

Officer Ridener also testified that he thought Williams had a crack pipe when he arrested her. However, he noted further investigation determined the device may have been a vaping dispenser and not a crack pipe.

Whitley argued his client did not incite a riot because she did not ask protestors to commit violence.

Fayette County Attorney Larry Roberts brought Assistant Police Chief Brian Maynard to the stand. Roberts asked the assistant chief to describe where the barricades were placed during the die-in demonstration.

Maynard testified that barriers were placed in front of the police department. He said protestors had damaged the front window, but he indicated there was no evidence linking Sarah Williams to that damage. Maynard said protestors were taunting police.

Roberts then brought Dianne Minnifield to the stand. She’s an attorney who works in Robert’s office. She noted Roberts subpoenaed her to testify.

Minnifield is also a member of the John Rowe chapter of the National Bar Association, a Lexington organization that’s made of mostly Black lawyers. She said the group organized the march and conversation on race that was supposed to take place at the church.

Monday, Roberts stated that protestors did not have a permit to march downtown. Tuesday, Minnifield said the John Rowe chapter did not obtain a permit to march because it was not needed to walk on a public sidewalk.

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