Original Article Apr 21, 4:30 AM EDT Man accused of burning police officer at GOP Convention expects charges to be dropped TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- A Tucson man accused of setting fire to a papier-mache dragon and causing severe burns to a police officer at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York expects the charges against him to be dropped. Yusuke "Josh" Banno, 21, has maintained that he was wrongly accused since his arrest last August when he joined protesters at the convention that nominated President Bush for a second term. Because the flaming dragon burned the hands of a police officer, Banno was charged with assault and reckless endangerment. But last month, Banno's lawyer tracked down pictures taken by a newspaper photographer showing Banno was far from where the fire began. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office indicated at a court appearance Tuesday that they're "not planning on prosecuting," Banno said, adding that his $10,000 bail will be returned. Over the last seven months, Banno said he, his family and friends have made six trips to New York and spent between $30,000 and $40,000 fighting the charges. Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com