The AJC reports today that the Gwinnett Solicitor’s Office has decided to drop charges against Robert Dean Roethlisberger, who was charged the day after Thanksgiving Day with Disorderly Conduct for driving a truck covered with images of aborted fetuses around the Mall of Georgia.

Solicitor Rosanna Szabo notes that the images do not constitute `obscene and vulgar or profane language` as required by the Disorderly Conduct statute.

Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, the group that owns the truck, said that his organization plans to sue the county.

“This is just begun,” Newman said. “We have an issue here where in the light of day, police will drop charges and say they suspended all arrests in this issue. But if you’re found at night or seemingly acting alone, it’s open season on constitutional freedoms.”

Although I agree with Newman’s position that display of the images falls under the `free speech` provisions of the U.S. Constitution, I cannot sanction his group’s decision to sue. It is a gross exaggeration to claim that the Gwinnett P.D. is involved in a continuing effort to squelch First Amendment rights.

This situation is one officer, responding to impassioned complaints from the public and possibly even his own disgust at the images, and over-reacting.

On Saturday, Newman’s group asked for compensation for damages to the truck and an apology. That is exactly what they should accept.

Charge against anti-abortion truck driver dropped | ajc.com