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Add an EventActivist Pleads Guilty in A.L.F. Sheepskin Factory Arson
In court Thursday, Walter Bond pleads guilty to burning down a Denver sheepskin dealer
In court November 18th, Walter Bond pleaded guilty to one count of "using fire or explosives to damage property involved in interstate commerce and of using force, violence or threats involving animal enterprises" under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. He faces five to 30 years in federal prison. His sentencing was set for February 11th.
The guilty plea comes after Bond allegedly confessed to his brother that his was responsible for three A.L.F. arsons: Sheepskin Factory in Denver ($500,000 damages), Tandy Leather Factory in Salt Lake City ($30,000 damages), and the Tiburon Restaurant in Sandy ($10,000 damages). His brother had been working with the ATF, and the entire hotel room conversation was monitored. Bond was arrested soon after.
The Animal Liberation Front communique for the Sheepskin Factory fire stated the arson...
was done in defense and retaliation for all the innocent animals that have died cruelly at the hands of human oppressors.
Read the government's criminal complaint against Walter Bond here, outlining the allegations and evidence against him. The complaint breaks down the time-line of events leading up to Bond's arrest.
In the courtroom Thursday was the owner of Sheepskin Factory. The store has since moved to a nearby location, but the owner stated his profits are down "thousands of dollars".
Bond still has outstanding charges in Utah for the remaining two arsons. It is expected he will be extradicted to Salt Lake City to start the process again, following his sentencing in Colorado.
Most media reports have falsely stated Bond has not yet been charged with the Utah arsons, and that he is merely "under investigation". However Bond has in fact been charged in those fires. Read the indictment for the Utah arsons here.
An FBI agent in charge had this to say:
"Our priority with acts of terrorism remains to be proactive and preventative. But when acts do occur, they will be pursued to justice."
Walter Bond continues to be held in a Colorado jail. Please write him a letter at:
Walter Edmund Bond
PO Box 16700
Golden, CO 80402-6700
- Peter Young
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