Sabino Defendants “Guilty” According to Jury
The jury’s verdict came back this afternoon guilty on all three charges for both defendants (Rod Coronado and Matt Crozier). Specifically, Rod and Matt were found guilty in federal court of:
Felony conspiracy to interfere with or injure a government official (max 7 years)
Misdemeanor interference with or injury to a forest officer (max 6 months)
Misdemeanor “depredation” (theft or destruction or the attempt to do so) of government property (max 1 year).
Remember, all three charges relate to an Earth First! campaign to prevent mountain lions from being captured or killed by hunters in Tucson, Arizona in March 2004. For details about the trial, including the way the prosecution alleged that using the media as part of a campaign now constitutes “conspiracy and intimidation,” see below. In the next few weeks, we will release a statement about the political ramifications of this trial and what it means for direct-action organizers around the country.
The prosecution asked that Rod be taken into immediate custody, but the judge denied the request. However, the prosecution might still file an official motion to that effect.
As of now, both Rod and Matt will remain free until their March 8, 2006 sentencing. They have expressed thanks for all the support they’ve received so far from the community. As more information becomes available about ways that you can support Rod and Matt, we will let you know.
Obviously, this is a serious blow to us personally and organizationally. Nonetheless, while we may be reassessing some of our specific strategies in light of this conviction, our commitment to defending Arizona’s wildlife with effective direct action will not change.
We also want to remind everyone that Sabino the mountain lion remains caged for life, and she was never given the “courtesy” of a trial. Chuk’shon EF! has never denied involvement in attempting to save Sabino Canyon mountain lions from hunters, nor are we regretful or ashamed. When wildlife has no one but us to defend them, we will continue to put our bodies on the line.
For more information, contact Chuk’shon Earth First! at sabthebastards (a) hotmail.com.
Till All Are Free,
Chuk’shon EF!