Four Arrested in Alleged "Mink Raid"

HINSDALE, MA -- On November 28, four Boston area animal activists -- Alex Smolak, Jamie Roth, and brothers Warren and Grant Upson -- were charged with four misdemeanors for an alleged mink farm raid. The charges were breaking and entering in the night time with intent to commit a felony, trespass, larceny of property over $250 and malicious destruction of property over $250.

Police reports claim 25 mink, valued at $100 each, were released from the Berkshire Fur Farm in Hinsdale, Massachusetts on the night the four were arrested. The report also claims that footprints at the scene of the "crime" matched those of the activists and that all of the activists smelled like mink feces when apprehended. However, it's more likely the police were just smelling their own report, which is full of "feces."

The activists, who know they did not release any mink, filed two motions in an attempt to combat the lies in the police report. The first motion was for the police to document the footprints in the snow, both mink and human, to prove no mink were released. The second motion was also that they take their own clothes into evidence to prove they did not smell of mink feces. Both motions were denied by the Courts -- after all, what's the point in proving that the cops lied in their report?

Along with the arrests came the accompanying media smear campaign which the Feds use to convict people before their trial is even scheduled. Not only do you have the authorities telling the media the grandiose sounding charges and the lies which are imbedded in the police report, but you also have the "unbiased" Chief of Police (who told the activists, "Instead of catching you, my guys should have shot you!") saying to the media, "These kids aren't college students, they're terrorists!" So much for the idea of innocent until proven guilty. With Chief Green, it's guilty and then your framed.

The day after their arrest, Jamie, Warren, and Grant were released on their own recognizance at arraignment, but Alex had his bail set at $1,000. Alex remained in jail on hunger strike for a total of two days until his bail money was posted by other activists.

When Alex was arrested, he did not give the police his name or have an ID on him. However, the police had a large file with letterhead from the Fur Commission USA on it. After looking through this file, they said, "You must be Alex Smolak." So be warned that Satan's servants (i.e. Marsha Kelly) at Fur Commission USA have done their homework.

On a good note, while at the station, the activists noticed a mounted sign that read, "Attention All Officers! The Hinsdale Fur Farm needs to be patrolled at least two times a night, especially at the end of your shift. Turn on your patrol lights to let the Carmels know you are not an intruder." Apparently the two previous raids at the Hinsdale Fur Farm made an impact!

The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade has set up a defense fund for the "Massachusetts Four." Checks can be written out to CAFT and sent to: CAFT, PO Box 822411, Dallas, TX 75382. Note on the checks that the donation is for the "Mass 4." Letters of support to the activists can be sent to CAFT, PO Box 381855, Cambridge, MA 02238.