U.S. Department of Justice
http://detroit.fbi.gov:80/dojpressrel/pressrel08/elf031108.htm

United States Attorney Charles R. Gross
Western District of Michigan
Suite 2001
211 West Fort Street
Detroit, Michigan 48226-3277

For Immediate Release:
CONTACT: KAYE D. HOOKER
OFFICE PHONE: (616) 808-2053

March 11, 2008

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ARSONISTS CHARGED

Indictment alleges the arsons were committed on behalf of "Earth
Liberation Front"

MICHIGAN-On the grounds of Michigan State University (MSU) in East
Lansing, Michigan, United States Attorney Charles R. Gross; Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena;
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon; and MSU Police Department Chief James
H. Dunlap, announced the unsealing today of a 4-count felony
Indictment charging four defendants with conspiracy to commit arson,
aggravated arson, and arson in connection with the December 31, 1999,
arson of Agriculture Hall on the main campus of MSU and the January 1,
2000, arson of commercial logging equipment near Mesick, Michigan.
The defendants are Marie Jeanette Mason, 46, of Cincinnati, Ohio;
Frank Brian Ambrose, 33, of Detroit, Michigan; Aren Bernard Burthwick,
27, of Detroit, Michigan; and Stephanie Lynne Fultz, 27, of Detroit,
Michigan.

According to the Indictment, the four conspired to commit the MSU
arson in order to destroy federally-funded plant genetic research
being conducted by university employees, and Mason and Ambrose then
carried out the arson. The Indictment alleges that the four also
conspired to destroy commercial logging equipment in order to sabotage
lumbering activity, and that all four Defendants then carried out the
arson.

The Indictment alleges that both actions were committed on behalf of
the "Earth Liberation Front" (ELF), a loosely-organized movement of
environmental extremists with a history of destroying property, often
by arson, in order to intimidate and coerce communities, businesses,
and governments into abandoning activities that ELF adherents consider
harmful to the environment.

"The Indictment we are announcing today is a testament to the
perseverance, dedication and hard work of law enforcement
professionals at both the state and federal level," said United States
Attorney Gross.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Arena added, "This investigation has been
ongoing for almost a decade and it should be a reminder to all that
the FBI does not allow the passage of time to thwart our ability to
apply our full resources to a case. In particular, domestic terrorism
is a top priority of the FBI and we will continue to aggressively
investigate and pursue prosecution of all such matters. We would also
like to thank the MSU Police Department for its cooperation throughout
this investigation."

Speaking for the University, MSU President Simon observed, "This was
more than an attack on a building and the destruction of valuable
property. It was an assault on the core value of free and open inquiry
at a research university. We always must be open to ideas that
challenge our own, but what we must never allow are disruptions meant
to shut down the open marketplace of ideas."

Commenting on the MSU Police Department's significant role in the
investigation, Chief Dunlap explained, "This was a significant act of
domestic terrorism which caused more than a million dollars in damage
to facilities and loss of research records. As a result, the
University dedicated an unprecedented amount of resources and
personnel to investigate this crime, and the Michigan State University
Police Department appreciates the cooperation of both the FBI and the
United States Attorney's Office in the joint investigation of this
case and the resulting Federal Indictment."

The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant United
States Attorney Hagen W. Frank.

The charges in an Indictment are only allegations of criminal conduct,
and the Defendants are presumed innocent until their guilt is
established in court by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

MSU Newsroom
Four arrested in 1999 New Year's Eve Agriculture Hall arson
March 11, 2008
http://special.newsroom.msu.edu/ag_hall/index.php

Contact: Kent Cassella,
University Relations,
(517) 355-2281, cell (517) 599-8537,
cassella@ur.msu.edu; or Florene McGlothian-Taylor, MSU Police, (517) 355-2222.

Eight years after Michigan State University's Agriculture Hall burned
in a New Year's Eve attack, four people have been arrested, the MSU
police, U.S. Attorney and FBI announced today.

Two Detroit men, a Detroit woman and a woman from Cincinnati, Ohio,
have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit arson,
aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Dec. 31, 1999,
attack on Agriculture Hall. The charges also are in connection with
arson of commercial logging equipment near Mesick, Mich., on Jan. 1,
2000.

"This was more than an attack on a building and the destruction of
valuable property," said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. "This was an
assault on the core value of free and open inquiry at a research
university. We always must be open to ideas that challenge our own,
but what we must never allow are disruptions meant to shut down the
open marketplace of ideas."

The attack on the northeast corner of Agriculture Hall reduced the
office of the Agriculture Biotechnology Support Project to little more
than cinders and melted computers. The fire did some $1 million worth
of damage. No one was injured. Shortly after the fire, a loosely
organized environmental movement called the Earth Liberation Front
claimed responsibility.

ABSP is a federally funded project that works with private and public
institutions to enhance the use, management and commercialization of
agricultural biotechnology in developing countries. The ABSP office at
MSU was not a research facility but an office responsible for
administering the ABSP program. Damage was limited to project data,
most of which was duplicated in other offices on campus.

Indicted are Marie Jeanette Mason, 46, of Cincinnati; Frank Brian
Ambrose, 33, of Detroit; Aren Bernard Burthwick, 27, of Detroit; and
Stephanie Lynne Fultz, 27, of Detroit.

MSU police chief James Dunlap was joined in today's announcement by
U.S. Attorney Charles Gross and FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew
Arena, as well as MSU president Simon.

The eight-year investigation took MSU officers across 10 states from
coast to coast, Dunlap said. It is the second time an act of domestic
terrorism at MSU has resulted in indictments.

On Feb. 28, 1992, arsonists attacked the offices of two faculty
members in Anthony Hall and vandalized campus mink research
facilities.

The fire destroyed the office of animal science researchers Richard
Aulerich and Karen Chou. While Aulerich was the target, Chou lost
years of research that was aimed at testing animal DNA as a method of
minimizing live-animal experimentation.

Damage from that attack was assessed at $1.2 million. The Animal
Liberation Front claimed responsibility.

In July 1993, Rodney Coronado was indicted by a federal grand jury for
the Anthony Hall fire. In March 1995, Coronado, in a plea agreement,
pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting arson in connection with the MSU
fire, as well as to crimes at other sites. He was sentenced to two
concurrent 57-month prison terms. He also was ordered to pay MSU $1.3
million to cover the losses, and another $1.2 million in restitution
to five other universities, businesses and parks that suffered losses
in other attacks and thefts.

As with this case, MSU police along with federal authorities, chased
leads across the country.

"This was a significant act of domestic terrorism which caused more
than a million dollars in damage to facilities and loss of research
records," Dunlap said. "As a result, the university dedicated an
unprecedented amount of resources and personnel to investigate this
crime, and the Michigan State University Police Department appreciates
the cooperation of both the FBI and the United States Attorney's
Office in the joint investigation of this case and the resulting
federal indictment."

The usually cries of we are innocent although these are the very groups that state they will use fire to destroy labs.


MSU Newsroom
Four arrested in 1999 New Year's Eve Agriculture Hall arson
March 11, 2008
http://special.newsroom.msu.edu/ag_hall/index.php

Contact: Kent Cassella,
University Relations,
(517) 355-2281, cell (517) 599-8537,
cassella@ur.msu.edu; or Florene McGlothian-Taylor, MSU Police, (517) 355-2222.

Eight years after Michigan State University's Agriculture Hall burned
in a New Year's Eve attack, four people have been arrested, the MSU
police, U.S. Attorney and FBI announced today.

Two Detroit men, a Detroit woman and a woman from Cincinnati, Ohio,
have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit arson,
aggravated arson and arson in connection with the Dec. 31, 1999,
attack on Agriculture Hall. The charges also are in connection with
arson of commercial logging equipment near Mesick, Mich., on Jan. 1,
2000.

"This was more than an attack on a building and the destruction of
valuable property," said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. "This was an
assault on the core value of free and open inquiry at a research
university. We always must be open to ideas that challenge our own,
but what we must never allow are disruptions meant to shut down the
open marketplace of ideas."

The attack on the northeast corner of Agriculture Hall reduced the
office of the Agriculture Biotechnology Support Project to little more
than cinders and melted computers. The fire did some $1 million worth
of damage. No one was injured. Shortly after the fire, a loosely
organized environmental movement called the Earth Liberation Front
claimed responsibility.

ABSP is a federally funded project that works with private and public
institutions to enhance the use, management and commercialization of
agricultural biotechnology in developing countries. The ABSP office at
MSU was not a research facility but an office responsible for
administering the ABSP program. Damage was limited to project data,
most of which was duplicated in other offices on campus.

Indicted are Marie Jeanette Mason, 46, of Cincinnati; Frank Brian
Ambrose, 33, of Detroit; Aren Bernard Burthwick, 27, of Detroit; and
Stephanie Lynne Fultz, 27, of Detroit.

MSU police chief James Dunlap was joined in today's announcement by
U.S. Attorney Charles Gross and FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew
Arena, as well as MSU president Simon.

The eight-year investigation took MSU officers across 10 states from
coast to coast, Dunlap said. It is the second time an act of domestic
terrorism at MSU has resulted in indictments.

On Feb. 28, 1992, arsonists attacked the offices of two faculty
members in Anthony Hall and vandalized campus mink research
facilities.

The fire destroyed the office of animal science researchers Richard
Aulerich and Karen Chou. While Aulerich was the target, Chou lost
years of research that was aimed at testing animal DNA as a method of
minimizing live-animal experimentation.

Damage from that attack was assessed at $1.2 million. The Animal
Liberation Front claimed responsibility.

In July 1993, Rodney Coronado was indicted by a federal grand jury for
the Anthony Hall fire. In March 1995, Coronado, in a plea agreement,
pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting arson in connection with the MSU
fire, as well as to crimes at other sites. He was sentenced to two
concurrent 57-month prison terms. He also was ordered to pay MSU $1.3
million to cover the losses, and another $1.2 million in restitution
to five other universities, businesses and parks that suffered losses
in other attacks and thefts.

As with this case, MSU police along with federal authorities, chased
leads across the country.

"This was a significant act of domestic terrorism which caused more
than a million dollars in damage to facilities and loss of research
records," Dunlap said. "As a result, the university dedicated an
unprecedented amount of resources and personnel to investigate this
crime, and the Michigan State University Police Department appreciates
the cooperation of both the FBI and the United States Attorney's
Office in the joint investigation of this case and the resulting
federal indictment."

WZZM-TV13 (Grand Rapids, MI)
Four environmentalists charged in 1999 MSU arson
Sarah Sell
3/11/2008 6:56:59 PM
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=88993&provider=top

The Earth Liberation Front or "E-L-F" is considered one of the top
domestic terror threats in the United States. Now, 4 of it's
supporters are charged with setting fire to Agriculture Hall on the
campus of Michigan State University.

It happened on New Year's Eve, 1999.

As most of us were ringing-in the New Year and planning for Y2K,
investigators say four people were planning a terrorist attack on the
campus of MSU. Federal investigators say the group's preferred method
of destruction is arson.

The damage from the fire cost the university over $1 million. Within
days, the cause was ruled arson. Then, for the next eight years,
investigators searched for those responsible for the fire.

"The public may lose track of these events or forget, but I can assure
you we don't", says Charles Gross with the U.S. Attorney's office in
Grand Rapids.

Gross, along with the FBI, and MSU Police announced the four arrests:

46-year old Marie Jeannette Mason of Ohio
33-year old Frank Ambrose of Detroit
27-year old Aren Burthwick of Detroit
27-year old Stephanie Fultz of Detroit.

"Unfortunately in this country, we have domestic terrorists who use
violence to advance their thoughts", says Andrew Arena, Special Agent
in Charge.

Investigators say the group acted on behalf of a radical environmental
group, called the Earth Liberation Front. Investigators believe the
group set out to destroy federally-funded plant genetic research at
Agriculture Hall.

"The use of violence and destruction of property to make a political
statement will not be tolerated in a civilized society", says Gross.

Mason and Ambrose are accused of setting the fire. Burthwick and Fultz
are accused of helping them plan the attack.

All are facing federal charges that could put them in federal prison
for up to 20 years.

The day after the fire, the group is also accused of setting fire to a
logging equipment up north in Wexford county. There was $18,000 worth
of damage. The group also spray-painted "ELF" on the equipment.

Some folks are malignant enough in their own brain reasonings, to defend terrorists of ALF & ELF ilk. Unbelievable that such support exists for people willing to destroy property and lives of others.


Media Mouse
Grand Rapids Independent Media
Four Indictments Issued in ELF Arson at Michigan State University
March 11 2008


http://www.mediamouse.org/features/031108four_.php

Today, four people--three of whom are Michigan residents--were
indicted on charges stemming from a 1999 arson at Michigan State
University (MSU) in East Lansing. The four--Marie Mason, Frank
Ambrose, Aren Burthwick, and Stephanie Fultz--were indicted on
multiple counts for a December 31, 1999 fire that destroyed an
agricultural research office and a January 1, 2000 fire that destroyed
commercial logging equipment near Mesick, Michigan. The charges could
result in up to twenty years in prison.

While the media quickly labeled these as "terrorist" acts, it is
important to remember that the two arsons in question caused no harm
to human life. In fact, of all the actions undertaken by the Earth
Liberation Front (ELF)--the group that claimed responsibility for the
two arsons--over the past several years, none have resulted in the
loss of human life and specific steps have been taken to prevent such
a result. Moreover, those who have been indicted--whether they be
found guilty or not--deserve the support of left and progressive
movements. While there is debate in our movement over tactics and
strategy, none of us can doubt the commitment and dedication of
individuals who take such actions in defense of the earth. It is also
worth remembering that two of the accused, Frank Ambrose and Marie
Mason, have been repeatedly harassed by federal authorities pertaining
to a failed arson at an Ice Mountain bottling facility in Michigan.
Ambrose was also indicted several years ago over anti-logging
activities in Indiana and was portrayed as a "terrorist" for nine
months before the government dropped the charges in the case.

The government has protrayed these indictments as being critical
arrests in the so-called war on "domestic terrorism." US Attorney
Charles Gross, who is based in Grand Rapids, said "This was an act of
domestic terrorism, plain and simple... There's no two ways about it.
The use of violence and the destruction of property to make a
political statement cannot be tolerated in a civilized society."
Rather than attempting to understand why the facility at Michigan
State University and the logging operation in Mesick were targeted,
the media has been more interested in focusing on the "terrorist"
angle and has entirely downplayed the reasons why the actions were
undertaken.

As such, we thought it would be important to highlight the rationale
given by the Earth Liberation Front for these actions. The original
communique from the ELF taking responsibility for the fire said:

"On the eve of the new millenium, the ELF struck back at one of the
many threats to the natural world as we know it. On December 31, 1999
at approximately 9:00pm, the ELF entered the Agricultural Hall at
Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. Our destination was
room 324, the offices of Catherine Ives et al. The project being
conducted through this office is funded by Monsanto and USAID and was
designed to not only pursue research concerning genetically engineered
sweet potatoes, corn and other crop vegetables, but to lobby
developing countries to abandon their current agricultural practices
and to rely on genetically engineered plants and thus corporations
like Monsanto. Local newspapers have put the damage done to the
building at $400,000, with documents and equipment totally destroyed.
Cremate Monsanto! End G.E.!"

A press release from the Earth Liberation Front's press office
furthered explained the rationale for targeting the MSU office:

"LANSING, MI - The Earth Liberation Front (E.L.F.) has claimed credit
for property damage estimated at $400,000 that occurred at Michigan
State University on December 31, 1999.

A communique sent by the E.L.F. stated, "Our destination was room 324,
the offices of Catherine Ives et al." The project being conducted
through this office is funded by Monsanto and USAID (United States
Agency for International Development) and was designed to not only
pursue research concerning genetically engineered sweet potatoes, corn
and other crop vegetables, but to lobby developing countries to
abandon their current agricultural practices and to rely on
genetically engineered plants and thus corporations like Monsanto.

The Earth Liberation Front is an international underground
organization that uses direct action to stop the systematic
exploitation and destruction of the natural environment.

Referring to genetic engineering and corporations who are promoting it
at the international level (such as Monsanto), the communique
continued, "On the eve of the new millenium, the ELF struck back at
one of the many threats to the natural world as we know it."

Monsanto Company, Inc. continues to fall under much public scrutiny
due to their biotechnology involvement and general business practices.
Among their recent patents is corn which has been genetically modified
to be "Round Up" ready. By encouraging this type of farming
internationally it severely disrupts the food chain from the insects
who may consume plant matter containing unknown genetic material to
humans whose health may suffer from the same. Furthermore Monsanto's
concern for the environment appears nonexistent with their promotion
of pesticides and chemicals.

The communique ended by stating, "Local newspapers have put the damage
done to the building at $400,000, with documents and equipment totally
destroyed. Cremate Monsanto! End genetic engineering!"

This latest action by the E.L.F. occurred just four days after the
group claimed credit for burning down the Northwest headquarters of
Boise Cascade in Monmouth, OR on December 25. The E.L.F was also
recently responsible for the $12 million blaze which destroyed
buildings at the Vail Ski Resort in Colorado."

Will Potter, who writes on the government's ongoing campaign against
radical environmental activists, highlighted a document from the ELF
on his "Green is the New Red" blog that provides an additional
explanation for the fire:

"Just six days later, on New Years Eve, 1999 the ELF for the first
time turned to the subject of genetic engineering. At Michigan State
University, Catherine Ives worked as a researcher, according to her,
to help feed the starving people of the world through biotechnology.
One of her programs funded in part by Monsanto and the U.S. Agency for
International Development involved attempts to coerce farmers in less
westernized countries to give up sustainable agricultural practices
for reliance on the biotech industry, in particular Monsanto who among
numerous other creations brought the terminator seed to life. These
seeds which do not reproduce require farmers to purchase new seeds
annually from Monsanto.

The idea that there just is not enough food in the world to feed the
current population is an absolute myth being used by the biotech
industry as one of their reasons to continue into the area of gene
manipulation. The public relations departments at Monsanto and in
other firms within the biotech industry are being far from truthful by
presenting this appearance of altruism as though they are helping
people in, as they refer to them, the "developing nations" to improve
their lives. It is nothing but another form of largely U.S. based
imperialism attempting to control and destroy non-westernized cultures
for the sake of monetary gain. Is it just a mere coincidence that
Monsanto, the U.S. Agency for International Development and Catherine
Ives, are not teaching and promoting organic permaculture in
less-westernized countries? And just another coincidence that instead
they are manufacturing the desire for genetically altered seeds which
Monsanto conveniently sells?

In response to this program and Catherine Ives work, the ELF set fire
to her offices at Michigan State University causing an estimated
$400,000-$900,000 in damages. Ives herself admitted the fire destroyed
years of her work."

Media Mouse was unable to find any ELF communique claiming for the
January 1, 2000 arson at the Mesick, Michigan logging facility and it
is not listed on any chronicle of ELF actions maintained on websites
sympathetic to the ELF. However, according to press accounts, "ELF"
was spray painted at the site.

In the coming days and weeks, Media Mouse will provide additional
information on this case as well as information about supporting those
charged.