Update: Raymond's trial has been rescheduled to begin with jury selection at 9am Monday, April 26th. Please pass this on to any friends and acquaintances of Ray and mark your calendars to come out and support him then!

Local artist, activist, and street philosopher Raymond Merchant, aka AC is set to go to trial 9am Monday, April 5th at the Hennepin County District Court (300 S. 6th St). AC is a south Minneapolis resident, community organizer, HipHop artist, and father of two. Despite much evidence indicating his innocence, AC is facing two bogus charges of aggravated robbery. Anyone who has met AC knows just how utterly ridiculous these charges are. This is a man who tries to make everyone smile, cracks jokes, and offers astrological explanations; an artist who makes his own jewelry and clothes and keeps a daily hip hop journal full of positive messages. Not the man who pointed a gun at his neighbors for money. We are encouraging everyone who can to come support AC, lifelong friends and acquaintances alike, to pack the courtroom and show solidarity with him as he stands trial. This is a visible way of showing the judge and the jury our opposition to convicting our friend of a crime he would never commit.

Some Background: Missing for several days in late October, friends became worried when AC failed to arrive to a show he was scheduled to perform at. After contacting his family, it was confirmed he had been abducted by police just blocks from his home while out for a walk.

More: RaymondMerchant.com | January update