FBI Makes Visit Seeking Information on AETA 4 Defendant

The FBI makes a visit in Oakland seeking information on Joseph Buddenberg of the AETA 4

This week, the FBI made a home visit seeking to question an unnamed person in Oakland about Joseph Buddenberg of the AETA 4. Buddenberg was indicted on Animal Enterprise Terrorism charges in 2009 as part of the case, charged with participating in a protest campaign against UC-Berkeley animal researchers. The case was thrown out just over a year ago. The government has not officially declared the case closed and has the option to re-indict, however there has been little if any visible movement in the case until this incident.

This is the report of the person who answered the door for the FBI:

“This morning (8/10) I was visited at my house in Berkeley, CA by a woman who quickly identified herself as an FBI agent. She was looking for a housemate who was not home, and mentioned that she had some questions about Joseph Buddenburg. Her demeanor was nice and she assured me a couple times that my housemate was in no trouble and that she “just wanted to talk” and “just had a couple questions.” When I told her that my housemate was not around she asked if I knew Joseph. After I told her I had no idea who Joseph is, the agent gave me her business card, asked my housemate to get in touch with her and left.”

Most lawyers agree the best way to handle a visit by law enforcement is to get their card and then shut the door. There are many reasons why speaking to the FBI is never a good idea. I recommend everyone read the primer on dealing with law enforcement called If An Agent Knocks.

Let’s hope this visit does not indicate a renewed interest in the AETA 4 case, perhaps the most farcical charges in the history of the animal liberation movement.

– Peter Young

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