Grand Jury Resister Faces More Time than Animal Liberationists

September 09 2010 Infoshop News

A Utah animal rights activist who resisted a federal grand jury is now
facing even more prison time than those he was brought to testify against.

Jordan Halliday, who was the founder of a local animal rights group, The
Animal Defense League of Salt Lake City, was brought before the federal
grand jury under suspicions he might know information regarding recent
underground animal liberation activity. He asserted his 5th amendment and
was placed in federal custody for nearly 4 months under civil contempt of
court, to try and compel him to testify.

Alex Hall and William Viehl were both indicted, convicted and sentenced to
24 months and 21 months respectively for their roles in releasing mink
from a South Jordan, Utah mink farm.

Upon being released Halliday was charged with federal criminal contempt of
court.

Halliday is the first dissident in decades (with only 2 other radicals
prior in the 1970's) to be charged with criminal contempt after already
serving time for civil contempt for the same act of recalcitrance.

Halliday, pleaded guilty to Sui Generis Criminal Contempt of Court and is
now facing even more prison time. There are no sentencing guidelines for
criminal contempt. However, the prosecution is trying to follow the
guidelines of "obstruction of justice" with which Halliday was not
charged. These guidelines have a maximum of 2 years with room for
additional time with added enhancements.

The government has openly stated that Halliday is not a suspect in the
Animal Liberation case, yet he is still facing even more time than those
who were convicted.

His sentencing is set for October 19th, 2010 at the Frank E. Moss Federal
Courthouse.

For More information Go To: http://www.supportjordan.com