DAVENPORT, Iowa -- A federal judge in Iowa has ordered the release of a Minnesota man facing animal terrorism charges in connection with a break-in at an animal laboratory at the University of Iowa.
Scott DeMuth is charged with conspiring to commit animal enterprise terrorism and cause economic damage exceeding $10,000.
Judge John Jarvey ordered DeMuth's release Monday, saying the government failed to demonstrate he's a public danger or flight risk.
During the 2004 break-in, vandals released pigeons, mice and rats and damaged computers and data.
DeMuth, who had been jailed since Nov. 17 for refusing to answer questions before a grand jury, is a member of Minnesota-based Earth Warriors are OK!, a group that supports animal rights and environmental activists who have been arrested.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
