Published April 12, 2007 in the Orlando Sentinel

Eric Montanez returned Wednesday to the scene of his crime and picked up the ladle where he left off -- feeding the homeless in Lake Eola Park.

A week ago, Montanez was charged by Orlando police with violating a city ordinance that prohibits the mass feeding of the homeless in city parks without a permit.

On Wednesday, the feedings resumed without arrests. Montanez, who belongs to a group called Food Not Bombs, made sure he fed only 25 people before turning over the dishing out of pasta, mashed potatoes and bread pudding to another homeless-advocacy organization.

About 35 people showed up for the free food.

Montanez, 21, is the first to be arrested under the controversial ordinance. His arraignment is set for May 4.

"I have no problem going to jail to feed the homeless," Montanez said. "I will be pleading not guilty."