Two anti-fur activists who were described by a federal prosecutor as “hardcore animal rights extremists” have both pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to conspiring to vandalize fur industry farms and owners’ homes.
Both defendants have agreed to pay $398,272 in damages to the owners of seven mink farms, stores, restaurants, and two homes in La Mesa and Spring Valley.
The words “animal murderer” and other phrases were spray painted on the homes of a fur store owner and her parents in 2013. The pair also released hundreds of minks at farms across the country.
Joseph Brian Buddenberg, 31, and Nicole Juanita Kissane, 28, both of Oakland, could be sentenced to a maximum term of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. District Court Judge Magistrate David Bartick set sentencing for May 2. They are both free on $100,000 bond each.
“Whatever your feelings about the fur industry, there are legal ways to make your opinions known,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy in a press release.
“The conduct alleged here, sneaking around at night, stealing property and vandalizing homes and businesses with acid, glue, and chemicals is a form of domestic terrorism and can’t be permitted to continue,” said Duffy.
A trial brief by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parmley described the pair as “two hardcore animal rights extremists.” The vandalism also included slashed tires, glued locks, smashed windows, and flooding a home.
There is no specific animal rights organization that Buddenberg or Kissane are identified as members. Buddenberg is an employee of a book store and Kissane works at a coffee shop.
The case is federal because the defendants crossed state lines to do the damages to the mink fur industry. They were arrested by the FBI July 24, 2015 after a grand jury indicted them.
