EcoDefender News: Update on Eric McDavid & others

On May 8, 2008, the United States government sentenced Eric McDavid to 19 years and 7 months behind bars for a crime that was never committed. Eric was arrested in January of 2006 and charged with “conspiracy to destroy property by means of fire or explosives”. However, no actual property damage ever occurred. The government’s fear of “eco-terrorists” has made Eric just one defendant in a string of arrests known as the Green Scare. The undercover snitch “Anna” was paid $75,000 by the FBI to help frame Eric for conspiracy. Eric’s sentence was extended with the use of the government’s Terrorism Enhancement Measure. For more information on sending money for his appeal case please visit www.supporteric.org. Write to Eric at:

Eric McDavid 16209-097

FCI Victorville Medium II

PO Box 5700

Adelanto, CA 92301

United States Sentencing Guideline (USSG) 3A1.4 is a Terrorism Enhancement Measure that allows judges to increase a sentence if the offense “involved or was intended to promote a federal crime of terrorism. “This loosely worded measure means that any crime, committed or conspired, that is aimed at affecting the conduct of government or property used in interstate commerce would be defined as a terrorist activity. This means extra jail time, even 6 fold the sentence, as witnessed by the “Operation Backfire” arrests. Because of the terrorist label, prisoners are also housed in high security prisons, with more restrictions. However, judges are not obligated to follow this sentencing guideline.

Briana Waters, 14th victim of Operation Backfire was sentenced in Tacoma, Washington on July 19, 2008. Briana was sentenced to a 6 year prison term with 3 years of probation. She is accused of being involved in the bombing of the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture. She maintains her innocence and is currently in an appeal process. Briana is being held at a federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut even though she requested a facility in Dublin, California to be closer to her family and 3-year-old daughter. Yet another victim of the terrorism enhancement sentencing measure.

www.supportbriana.org

On July 14, 2008, Daniel McGowan appeared in federal court in Madison, Wisconsin and was found in civil contempt for refusal to answer questions before a grand jury. McGowan was charged in 2007 with arson and is serving a 7 year sentence. Until the grand jury is dismissed or resolved, he will not receive time served. An appeal has been filed by his lawyer as well as a motion for bail. Please write to Daniel at:

Daniel McGowan

USP Marion

PO Box 1000

Marion, IL 62959*