Jen Kolar gets 5 year sentence

One of the most noted 'greenscare' cases was the group of trials involving arsons committed at the University of Washington, and a variety of Oregon locations such as a Bureau of Land Management wild horse slaughter facility. After several years had passed, an arsonist set up as an informant by the FBI, Jake Ferguson, went around with a recorder wire and elicited discussion from a couple other defendants in the case. When these people came under pressure and indictment from the FBI as well, a couple quickly responded to the pressure of long jail sentences and agreed to testify against additional people. The most controversial aspect of the plea bargaining game occurred in the recent trial of Briana Waters. Most of the other convicted defendants said that Waters was not present at the arson, or barely knew who she was. However, two defendants who were told they needed to testify against new additional defendants in order to receive a sentence reduction decided to testify that this Olympia woman had been present back at the parking lot, acting as a lookout. Waters got a 6 year sentence for this questionable and minor role. Other defendants such as (esteemed activist) Daniel McGowan who had no plea bargaining agreement receive similar sentences of 7 yrs. Some other defendants such as Darren Thurston with minor roles received 3 year sentences. Cooperating defendant Chelsea Gerlach got 9 yrs. The longest time was given to cooperating defendant Kevin Tubbs (I believe), with nearly 13 years.

Seattle Times staff reporter
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A Seattle woman who helped set fire to the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture in 2001 was sentenced today to five years in prison.

Jennifer Kolar, 33, also was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay $7.1 million in restitution in connection with the May 21, 2001, arson. Kolar had pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit arson, two counts of arson, one count of attempted arson and using a destructive device during a crime of violence.

According to the U.S. attorney's office, Kolar was part of a group that called itself "The Family." The group is responsible for a string of arsons across the Western United States on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front.

U.S. District Judge Franklin D. Burgess allowed Kolar to remain free until she has to report to prison in late September. Kolar said that she used a knife to cut the glass to gain entry to the office of UW Professor Toby Bradshaw, where a destructive device was then placed. It cost more than $7 million to rebuild the facility.

Earlier this year, Kolar testified against Briana Waters, who was convicted of arson in connection with the fire. Waters was sentenced last month to six years in prison.

In addition to Kolar and Waters, three others have been charged in connection with the UW fire. Lacey Phillabaum pleaded guilty and faces three to five years in prison when sentenced on August 19. Justin Solondz, 29, is charged with arson, and using a destructive device in a crime of violence. Solondz is believed to be out of the country.

William C. Rodgers also participated in the arson but committed suicide in December 2005 while being held in an Arizona jail.