WASHINGTON – Authorities announced March 18 the indictment of four individuals who set fire to an agriculture research building at Michigan State University more than eight years ago on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front.
The fire occurred December 31, 1999 on the East Lansing campus, which housed federally funded plant genetic research. More than $1 million damage was caused to facilities, in addition to research material being lost.
The assailants have also been accused of setting fire to commercial logging equipment in Mesick, Mich., the following day in attempts to interfere with lumbering activity.
Marie Mason, 46 of Cincinnati; Frank Ambrose, 33; Aren Burthwick, 27; and Stephanie Fultz, 27, all from Detroit, have been charged with conspiracy and arson counts.
Chief James Dunlap of the Michigan State Police called the case “a significant act of domestic terrorism,” according to CNN.
