Judge unseals arson charges

By Bill Bishop

The Register-Guard

Published: Thursday, September 13, 2007

After three years sealed under court order, charges have been made public against the man who apparently participated in at least a dozen arsons for environmental causes and then worked undercover for investigators who brought down the largest eco-arson ring in the nation. Jacob Jeremiah Ferguson, 34, is charged with one count each of attempted arson and arson stemming from the first of at least 20 attacks in five states by a group that became known as "The Family." Court records indicate that Ferguson made a deal to cooperate with prosecutors in order to avoid jail. No date has been set for his appearance in federal court in Eugene. U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken unsealed the charges Tuesday at the request of federal prosecutors who said secrecy no longer is needed, according to court records. Last month, Aiken completed the sentencings of 10 core members of the arson conspiracy. They received prison terms ranging from just over three years to 13 years. Three less-active conspirators face charges in Washington state. Four other suspects are fugitives. According to court documents and statements made in court, Ferguson began wearing a recording device in 2004 to capture incriminating conversations with eight of his former arson partners. As a result, he was reviled as a "snitch" on Internet sites devoted to radical environmental activism. Ferguson, according to court records, took part as many as 14 of the group's crimes - including the destruction of the Oakridge Ranger Station in 1996, the Cavel West horsemeat packing plant in Redmond in 1997, the U.S. Forest Industries office in Medford in 1998, the Childers Meat Co. in Eugene in 1999, and the Superior Lumber Co. in Glendale in 2001. Court records indicate that Ferguson was an enthusiastic participant in The Family's arsons, traveling widely in Western states to scope out potential targets for attack. Police apparently believed - as it turned out incorrectly - that Ferguson was involved in the arson of 35 SUVs at the former Romania truck dealership in Eugene in 2001. Under pressure from that investigation, Ferguson evidently agreed to cooperate. He is charged in connection with an attempted arson of the Detroit Ranger Station on Oct. 28, 1996, in which an incendiary device failed to ignite, and arson of a pickup truck that was destroyed at the ranger station.

His case is expected to resolve with a court hearing to enter a guilty plea and have the probationary sentence imposed.