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Lawyer wants charges dropped in ammo belt case

FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) - A defense lawyer has asked a judge to dismiss charges against a former Fitchburg State University student arrested for wearing a military-style ammunition belt on campus.

A lawyer for 20-year-old Andrew Despres said Tuesday in Fitchburg District Court that the 57 shell casings in the belt were inert and it was a simply a fashion statement.

Despres' mother testified that she bought the belt for $20 online. She said her son dressed in punk style and wore the belt regularly, including on campus.

Despres was arrested on school grounds Dec. 18 the day after he was expelled for alleged marijuana possession and other infractions.

Prosecutors say laws governing ammunition apply to spent casings and no one was sure of Despres' intent when he returned to campus.

The judge did not rule.