Long Island Anarchist Acquitted In Environmental Terror Trial

(1010 WINS Radio)

(CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y.) A Long Island man alleged to be the local leader
of an environmental terror group has been
acquitted of conspiracy, arson and other charges following a
weeklong trial in federal court.

Connor Cash, 22, of Sound Beach, had been charged with conspiracy,
arson, and aiding terrorism for a December 2000 fire that
damaged five homes under construction in Mount Sinai. He was also
accused in an unsuccessful scheme to burn down a Center
Moriches duck farm and free the animals from alleged mistreatment.Jurors acquitted Cash of all charges Thursday after deliberating for
several hours. Prosecutors alleged he was the local leader of a
group known as the Earth Liberation Front, a shadowy environmental
organization that has claimed responsibility for a wave of arson and
vandalism attacks nationwide.

The attacks are part of what the ELF says is a national campaign to
inflict economic damage on those they blame for development of
farmland and other natural property.

Cash's attorney, Frederick Brewington, said his client was targeted
because he was the leader of various peaceful activities
on Long Island. The main witnesses against him were Jared McIntyre,
the son of a New York Police Department sergeant, and Matthew
Rammelkamp; they both pleaded guilty in the case and agreed to
testify against Cash in return for leniency.

"I'm committed to helping people," Cash said after the verdict. "I
would never be involved in any violence or acts of arson."
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office said, "The jury has ruled
and we respect the verdict."