FREEPORT — A 27-year-old man was arrested Monday night after police say he stood on Main Street and threw vegetables at the Abercrombie & Fitch outlet to protest what he said was the company’s exploitation of teen models.
James M. Roux Jr. of South Freeport was charged with criminal mischief, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, according to Freeport Police Chief Gerald Schofield.
Police Sgt. Nate Goodman went just after 8 p.m. to the sidewalk in front of the outlet store at 55 Main St. Goodman found Roux throwing assorted vegetables and other produce at the front of the store and “rambling,” Schofield said.
“Goodman asked him to stop and he finally did, at which point Mr. Roux became very agitated, swearing and yelling,” Schofield said. “Goodman tried to find out what was going on, and apparently it was a protest against Abercrombie & Fitch and (other) stores, these types of stores that exploit young kids – teenage models – into thinking they have to be skinny.”
The produce barrage did not damage the store, according to Schofield.
“He just made an awful mess of garbage,” the chief said.
Schofield said no charges were filed against a man who seemed to be using a cellphone to record Roux’s protest.
Roux was taken to Cumberland County Jail in Portland and has since been released, according to an official at the jail. He is scheduled to appear in West Bath District Court on Nov. 19.
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