Animal rights activist Nicole Kissane was handed a 21-month prison sentence in federal court for orchestrating a cross-country crime spree aimed at the fur industry, authorities revealed. During her spree, Kissane and coconspirator Joseph Buddenberg caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages through property vandalism and releasing mink from commercial farms.
At today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns labeled Kissane’s actions as a ‘calculated, premeditated reign of terror over those in the fur industry,’ ordering her to pay $423,477 in restitution to the victims.
Kissane pleaded guilty on December 27, 2016, to Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. Buddenberg, who entered his guilty plea earlier, was sentenced to two years in prison and $398,272 in restitution.
‘Vandalizing homes and businesses with acid and chemicals at night is a form of domestic terrorism,’ Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson stated. ‘These sentences send a clear message that this is not the proper way to effect change on any issue, let alone animal rights.’
The FBI and their Joint Terrorism Task Force partners worked together to connect cases and bring Kissane and Buddenberg to justice. According to Kissane’s plea agreement, she admitted to causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage during her crime spree.
In one case highlighted by the indictment, the duo traveled from Oregon to San Diego to vandalize a furrier shop and release mink. They also targeted businesses in Minneapolis and Wisconsin, posting communiqués detailing their actions on extremist websites.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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