In a press release issued on 2/20/2009, the FBI announced the arrest of four individuals stemming from a series of threatening incidents involving University of California researchers. 

According to the statement, Nathan Pope, Adriana Stumpo, Joseph Buddenberg, and Maryam Khajavi were named in a complaint filed in federal court in San Francisco Thursday, and each were alleged to have "used force, violence, or threats to interfere with the operation of the University of California in violation of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA)." Two of the animal rights activists, Nathan Pope and Adriana Stumpo, were arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina upon returning to the U.S. from Costa Rica. The other two were arrested in California.

The FBI is still investigating several incidents occurring as far back as October of 2007. In February of 2008, Mr. Pope, Ms. Stumpo, and Ms. Khajavi, allegedly attempted to use force to enter the private home of a University of California researcher in Santa Cruz. In June of 2008, Mr. Buddenberg, Mr. Pope, and Ms. Stumpo allegedly produced and distributed fliers encouraging the targeting of animal researchers, an action which preceded two firebomb attacks outside the homes of researchers in Santa Cruz.

“With so many legal options to make their voices heard and to effect [sic] policy change, it is inexcusable and cowardly for these people to resort to terrorizing the families of those with whom they do not agree,” said Charlene B. Thornton, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Francisco office. “The FBI intends to pursue those involved in this sort of extremist activity to the full extent of the law.”

If found guilty of violating the AETA (Title 18 U.S.C. § 43), each defendant could face up to five years in prison. The AETA is a comprehensive federal law that broadens the Animal Enterprise Protection Act of 1992 by increasing penalties, extending coverage to family members of researchers and entities and individuals who do business with animal research facilities, while specifically exempting First Amendment protected activities. It is important to remember that NABR members were instrumental in helping secure congressional passage of the AETA, which was signed into law November 27, 2006.