landusepbb
12-19-2005, 12:14 PM
Ecoterror suspect called 'mastermind'
By Larry Hendricks
Sun Staff Reporter
12/17/2005
http://www.azdailysun.com/images/news_photos/12-17-2005/full/120805RodgersMug.jpg
His supporters universally call him a kind and compassionate man dedicated to social service, community building and nonviolence.
Prosecutors say he's an accomplished arsonist who "masterminded" the burning of buildings across the country for the cause of a radical environmental group, leaving a swath of damage totaling more than $20 million.
The U.S. magistrate judge hearing the case decided evidence leaned toward the latter and ordered Prescott resident William Rodgers, 40, held in jail until his extradition to Washington state to stand trial.
Rodgers was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on the charge that he and another person set fire to a U.S. Department of Agriculture building in Olympia, Wash., on June 21, 1998. Estimated damage was $1.2 million.
Rodgers was one of six people arrested across the country after a nine-year federal investigation.
All are accused of acts of ecoterrorism associated with the Animal Liberation Front and the Earth Liberation Front, including a Flagstaff woman (see related story).
A gallery full of Rodgers' supporters looked on, and dozens of other supporters lined San Francisco Street downtown as testimony began to determine if Rodgers should be released from jail by Judge Mark E. Aspey.
SEARCH YIELDS EVIDENCE
Joseph Lodge, assistant U.S. attorney in Flagstaff, called only one witness to the stand: FBI agent Doug Lintner.
Lintner said that, based on information given by a cooperating witness and two cooperating co-defendants, investigators have discovered in the last 10 days that Rodgers is alleged to be involved in at least six arsons (see list, Page A10).
And during a search of Rodgers' home in Prescott, which is part of the Catalyst InfoShop, Lintner said agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found a box of explosive components -- timers, sponges and relighting candles. Sponges were used in some of the arsons, Lintner added.
Also, investigators found three weapons in the home, some child pornography, and written material on how to make timers and delayed switches for explosives and how to make better bombs.
Lintner also said that investigators have a recording of Rodgers describing a future activity.
"He said he was planning something big," Lintner said.
David Barrow, attorney for Rodgers, left the courthouse immediately after the proceedings and was unavailable for comment Friday.
But during Rodgers' hearing, Barrow had Lintner confirm that the firearms could be legally owned by Rodgers, that the child pornography could be somebody else's property, that the timers, sponges and candles had legal purposes,
Barrow suggested that "something big" on the recording could refer to a number of "innocuous" events, but Lintner said Rodgers had spoken in the context of committing another arson when his current romantic relationship was over.
Barrow had objected to the introduction of other alleged offenses that Rodgers hasn't even been charged with.
If the government has all the cards it's "showing the corners of," it can indict Rodgers on any other charges, Barrow said.
"If Mr. Rodgers is near the danger he's been described through insult and innuendo and hearsay, the government could have charged him with more crimes," Barrow said.
RODGERS' SUPPORTERS TESTIFY
In Rodgers' defense, three witnesses took the stand.
Paul Katan said he has known Rodgers since 2001.
"He's my confidant, my friend and my neighbor," Katan said. "He's been a great mentor to me."
Rodgers counseled him on nonviolence. Rodgers distributes food to the hungry, Katan said.
Liam O'Neill said he did college study with Rodgers on how to start and sustain InfoShops, which are community spaces meant to offer resources, bring people together and promote peace.
Sarah Launius said the Prescott community devoted to Catalyst has tried to carry on Rodgers' work and conduct a variety of events in support of Rodgers.
All three considered Rodgers a kind man, incapable of the crimes of which he is accused.
"We differ with the characterization that he is a peaceful, law-abiding man," Lodge said after the hearing. "He is considered to be the mastermind of some of these arsons."
Rodgers, if convicted of arson, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Larry Hendricks can be reached at lhendricks@azdailysun.com or 556-2262.
ALLEGED ARSONS BY RODGERS
FBI agent Doug Lintner listed the following arsons as allegedly involving Prescott resident William Rodgers, based on statements made by three eyewitnesses cooperating with authorities: The Bureau of Land Management wild horse corral in Burns, Ore., in November 1997 that caused about $450,000 in damage.
Lintner said that Rodgers helped carry fuel into the building, put an incendiary device in place and helped light the fuse. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Building in Olympia, Wash., in June 1998 that caused about $1.2 million in damage.
"He helped carry the buckets of fuel into the building and set it off with a fire stick," Lintner said.
Lintner added that he had a recording of Rodgers stating his involvement in the arson and of feeling satisfied with the job. The University of Washington at Seattle in May 2001, which caused $5 million in damage.
Lintner said Rodgers planned the arson and conducted reconnaissance of the target. The Bureau of Land Management wild horse corral in Rock Springs, Wyo. in October 1998. The damage estimate was not disclosed.
Lintner said Rodgers designed, constructed and placed the devices responsible for the arson. Vail Ski Resort in Vail, Colo., in October 1998, causing about $12 million in damage.
Lintner said Rodgers planned and organized the arson and placed devices and lit the fires. Chevrolet dealership in Eugene, Ore., in March 2001, causing about $1 million in damage.
Lintner said Rodgers designed, constructed, placed and lit the incendiary devices.
-- Larry Hendricks
http://www.azdailysun.com/non_sec/nav_includes/story.cfm?storyID=121334
By Larry Hendricks
Sun Staff Reporter
12/17/2005
http://www.azdailysun.com/images/news_photos/12-17-2005/full/120805RodgersMug.jpg
His supporters universally call him a kind and compassionate man dedicated to social service, community building and nonviolence.
Prosecutors say he's an accomplished arsonist who "masterminded" the burning of buildings across the country for the cause of a radical environmental group, leaving a swath of damage totaling more than $20 million.
The U.S. magistrate judge hearing the case decided evidence leaned toward the latter and ordered Prescott resident William Rodgers, 40, held in jail until his extradition to Washington state to stand trial.
Rodgers was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on the charge that he and another person set fire to a U.S. Department of Agriculture building in Olympia, Wash., on June 21, 1998. Estimated damage was $1.2 million.
Rodgers was one of six people arrested across the country after a nine-year federal investigation.
All are accused of acts of ecoterrorism associated with the Animal Liberation Front and the Earth Liberation Front, including a Flagstaff woman (see related story).
A gallery full of Rodgers' supporters looked on, and dozens of other supporters lined San Francisco Street downtown as testimony began to determine if Rodgers should be released from jail by Judge Mark E. Aspey.
SEARCH YIELDS EVIDENCE
Joseph Lodge, assistant U.S. attorney in Flagstaff, called only one witness to the stand: FBI agent Doug Lintner.
Lintner said that, based on information given by a cooperating witness and two cooperating co-defendants, investigators have discovered in the last 10 days that Rodgers is alleged to be involved in at least six arsons (see list, Page A10).
And during a search of Rodgers' home in Prescott, which is part of the Catalyst InfoShop, Lintner said agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found a box of explosive components -- timers, sponges and relighting candles. Sponges were used in some of the arsons, Lintner added.
Also, investigators found three weapons in the home, some child pornography, and written material on how to make timers and delayed switches for explosives and how to make better bombs.
Lintner also said that investigators have a recording of Rodgers describing a future activity.
"He said he was planning something big," Lintner said.
David Barrow, attorney for Rodgers, left the courthouse immediately after the proceedings and was unavailable for comment Friday.
But during Rodgers' hearing, Barrow had Lintner confirm that the firearms could be legally owned by Rodgers, that the child pornography could be somebody else's property, that the timers, sponges and candles had legal purposes,
Barrow suggested that "something big" on the recording could refer to a number of "innocuous" events, but Lintner said Rodgers had spoken in the context of committing another arson when his current romantic relationship was over.
Barrow had objected to the introduction of other alleged offenses that Rodgers hasn't even been charged with.
If the government has all the cards it's "showing the corners of," it can indict Rodgers on any other charges, Barrow said.
"If Mr. Rodgers is near the danger he's been described through insult and innuendo and hearsay, the government could have charged him with more crimes," Barrow said.
RODGERS' SUPPORTERS TESTIFY
In Rodgers' defense, three witnesses took the stand.
Paul Katan said he has known Rodgers since 2001.
"He's my confidant, my friend and my neighbor," Katan said. "He's been a great mentor to me."
Rodgers counseled him on nonviolence. Rodgers distributes food to the hungry, Katan said.
Liam O'Neill said he did college study with Rodgers on how to start and sustain InfoShops, which are community spaces meant to offer resources, bring people together and promote peace.
Sarah Launius said the Prescott community devoted to Catalyst has tried to carry on Rodgers' work and conduct a variety of events in support of Rodgers.
All three considered Rodgers a kind man, incapable of the crimes of which he is accused.
"We differ with the characterization that he is a peaceful, law-abiding man," Lodge said after the hearing. "He is considered to be the mastermind of some of these arsons."
Rodgers, if convicted of arson, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Larry Hendricks can be reached at lhendricks@azdailysun.com or 556-2262.
ALLEGED ARSONS BY RODGERS
FBI agent Doug Lintner listed the following arsons as allegedly involving Prescott resident William Rodgers, based on statements made by three eyewitnesses cooperating with authorities: The Bureau of Land Management wild horse corral in Burns, Ore., in November 1997 that caused about $450,000 in damage.
Lintner said that Rodgers helped carry fuel into the building, put an incendiary device in place and helped light the fuse. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Building in Olympia, Wash., in June 1998 that caused about $1.2 million in damage.
"He helped carry the buckets of fuel into the building and set it off with a fire stick," Lintner said.
Lintner added that he had a recording of Rodgers stating his involvement in the arson and of feeling satisfied with the job. The University of Washington at Seattle in May 2001, which caused $5 million in damage.
Lintner said Rodgers planned the arson and conducted reconnaissance of the target. The Bureau of Land Management wild horse corral in Rock Springs, Wyo. in October 1998. The damage estimate was not disclosed.
Lintner said Rodgers designed, constructed and placed the devices responsible for the arson. Vail Ski Resort in Vail, Colo., in October 1998, causing about $12 million in damage.
Lintner said Rodgers planned and organized the arson and placed devices and lit the fires. Chevrolet dealership in Eugene, Ore., in March 2001, causing about $1 million in damage.
Lintner said Rodgers designed, constructed, placed and lit the incendiary devices.
-- Larry Hendricks
http://www.azdailysun.com/non_sec/nav_includes/story.cfm?storyID=121334