Just a heads-up that there are two developments in the investigation into arsons at the homes of two UC-Santa Cruz research’ers.
Update 12:29pm: The total number of people subpoenaed is now believed to be seven.
1) One person who was a resident of Santa Cruz at the time of the arson testified to the grand jury on May 22nd, 2012. The content of her testimony is unknown.
2) Another person has been ordered to appear before a grand jury investigating the fires. The name of the person has not been released, but it is known that he lives in Seattle. According to the report I received, he was subpoenaed once, and then because of a technicality, was required to be subpoenaed a second time. The FBI has since been unable to locate him to serve the second subpoena.
To date, at least five others (seven total) are known to have been subpoenaed to the grand jury.
The arsons were not claimed by the Animal Liberation Front, or any animal liberation group. One of the targets is not even believed to do research on animals, and all attempts to link these incidents to animal liberationists have come entirely from the FBI and pro-animal research groups.
More information will be posted as soon as it available.
Update from Jose Palafox on UC-Santa Cruz grand jury, two new subpoenas served.
Last week I reported there was a new subpoena served in the ongoing investigation into the 2008 firebombing of an alleged animal researcher’s home in Santa Cruz. There was no claim of responsibility or any other evidence to suggest it was the work of activists, yet the incident served as the impetus for the AETA 4 case, and the media reported as though it were a foregone conclusion it was the work of animal liberationists.
After the AETA 4 case was dismissed, all was quiet from the FBI for some time, and it appeared the investigation was in a lull. Then last week, news came that Bay Area resident Jose Palafox had been commanded to appear before a grand jury that appears to be seeking indictments in the case.
This is Jose’s latest statement (read his first statement here), which reveals new information that there are two other people have been subpoenaed, bringing to the total to three. Names of the other two have not been made public.
“Folks,
A quick update on my Grand Jury Subpoena.
I have retained a kick-ass lawyer who works with the National Lawyers Guild. He just informed me that my initial appearance date before the Grand Jury has moved from next week to June 12. This should give us more time to work on the case. Will let you all know as it gets closer to the date on ways that folks can support. The hearing will be held in the S.F. Federal Building.
As of now, we now know that 3 folks have been subpoenaed (another was contacted by the FBI). There was an informal teach-in on Grand Juries in Oakland and more are being planned.
I really appreciate all of the solidarity and support from folks all around.
pa’lante, Jose Palafox 5/18/12”
As always, I will be posting any new updates here.
FBI agents serve activist with a subpoena to appear at a grand jury investigating 2008 arson in Santa Cruz.
Update 5/11/2012: A second person has also been subpoenaed. Please read the update from Jose Palafox posted in the comments.
A heads-up that Jose Palafox in California has been subpoenaed to a grand jury by FBI agents. From the subpoena, it appears the grand jury is investigating a fire set at the home of a UC-Santa Cruz animal researcher in 2008. There was no claim of responsibility for the fire, and there is no evidence activists were responsible. Nonetheless, the incident became the impetus for the “AETA 4” case, which saw the indictment of four Bay Area activists before charges were dismissed in 2010.
If there are more subpoenas served, I will be posting here.
The full statement from the person subpoenaed reads:
“”I HAVE BEEN SUBPOENAED BEFORE A GRAND JURY
On Friday May 4th, I was approached by two FBI agents at the BART Station at 19th and Broadway in Oakland. They asked my name, identified themselves as Carrie and Matt from the FBI, and served me a subpoena to testify before a federal Grand Jury. They informed me that I had been served and left without asking me any other questions.
From the face of the Grand Jury Subpoena, it appears related to an animal rights action that took place in Santa Cruz in August of 2008. I know nothing about the Santa Cruz action but believe this is a political prosecution and part of a government attempt to gather information on activists, specifically involved in the animal rights movement.
I will be getting a lawyer and plan to exercise my rights to the fullest extent. If anyone else receives a similar subpoena or a visit from the FBI, you can contact the National Lawyers Guild for advice on you rights.
This is the second time I have come into contact with the FBI. A couple of years ago, I had to deal with the Oakland Police Department regarding a private criminal matter, unrelated to activism, and without my knowledge was interviewed by an FBI agent. He began to ask me questions about my activism and political affiliations. I asked what agency he was from and I immediately stopped answering any questions. Probably unrelated but you never know.
I feel that it is important to let folks know about this political repression and to let people know that I will be needing support. However, the lawyer I did briefly speak with advised me not to answer any questions about the facts the case. I can talk about what the government’s allegations are and what is happening with court appearances but I can’t answer questions about the facts so please don’t ask.
