The Madison activist charged with extortion has made his first federal court appearance.
Prosecutors say Devonere Johnson threatened two businesses on State Street with destruction if they didn’t give him and his fellow protesters free food and drinks.
Witnesses say he entered Cooper’s Tavern last month using a bullhorn to speak loudly to customers while he was also holding a baseball bat.
Johnson’s case is on hold while the court waits for a federal grand jury indictment.
