UPDATE: Kingsport Police Close Case of Ballad Health Seeking to File Criminal Charges Against Dani Cook

The Kingsport Police Department has closed the case that Ballad Health had sought to bring criminal charges against protester Dani Cook for damages to property totaling $1,300 near Holston Valley Medical Center.

An additional report from the department says after speaking with the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, they have determined charges cannot be filed at this time because it is undetermined who the property owner is of where the protests are happening around the facility. Ballad originally sought to file charges against Cook due to re-sodding areas that grass had died at where tents and tarps have been sitting at since protests against Ballad began in May. The report also says if Ballad determines it is the owner of the property in question, it will have to file appropriate misdemeanor charges in Sullivan County Court.

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Kingsport Police say Ballad Health is seeking to file charges against a protester for reported damages to property near the Holston Valley Medical Center.

A report from the department says authorities were called to the hospital on Monday, and upon speaking with Chief Security Officer Ken Harr, he informed them that due to protests at the hospital since May, tents and tarps that have covered two grassy areas has caused the grass to die, which required Ballad to re-sod at least one area at the cost of $1,300. Harr says a ditch line was also dug to attempt to drain water or secure tarps at the protest site. Harr mentioned that they are seeking to file criminal charges against protester Dani Cook.

Ballad released a statement which is provided below:

“Ballad Health supports the right for individuals to protest, but the complaint speaks for itself and outlines the destruction of private property that has occurred at Holston Valley Medical Center.”