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American Morning

Mayor Charlie Robertson Turns Himself Over to Authorities

Aired May 17, 2001 - 09:32   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: A short time ago, the mayor of York, Pennsylvania, turned himself in to authorities. Charlie Robertson faces charges stemming from the 1969 shooting death of an African- American woman during race riots in the city.
Yesterday, the mayor spoke about his impending arrest.

Our Eric Philips has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ERIC PHILIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): York, Pennsylvania, Mayor Charlie Robertson choked back tears during a press conference about his impending arrest.

CHARLIE ROBERTSON, MAYOR OF YORK, PENNSYLVANIA: And I am being advised by the district attorney office that, as your mayor, I will be handcuffed -- necessary to be handcuffed. The DAs will inform you as where - the media as to where I'll be handcuffed for your in-photo session.

PHILIPS: Robertson is one of the five men charged in the shooting death of Lillie Belle Allen back in 1969 during race riots in York. The 67-year-old was a York police officer at the time. Court papers allege Robertson helped incite some of the strife that led to the killing. Questions about his involvement that night had dogged Robertson for years.

But while he admitted to attending a riot before the shooting and yelling white power, he denies more serious charges.

ROBERTSON: Murder is the charge. Murder is the charge. I'm standing here in disbelief as to the charge, which they must prove. And to this, I maintain my innocence.

PHILIPS: Robertson has been mayor of York for 7 1/2 years and is running for reelection. Just Tuesday, he narrowly won a Democratic primary against a black city councilman, the first African-American to run for that office. Robertson says he's confident he'll win a third term, despite this charge, and he doesn't plan to leave office.

Eric Philips, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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