"Vegan" In Federal Arson Bust

JULY 23--An animal rights activist who has the word "Vegan" tattooed on his throat was arrested last night and charged with arson for allegedly burning down a Colorado factory that sells a variety of sheepskin products.

Walter Bond, 34, is also suspected of torching a leather factory in Utah and a restaurant serving foie gras and other wild game. Bond, pictured in the mug shot at left, appears to be affiliated with the shadowy Animal Liberation Front, which has published communiques on its web site about the arson attacks (which are credited to an ALF member known as "Lone Wolf").

According to an affidavit sworn by federal agent Rennie Mora, Bond yesterday admitted to the arsons in a recorded meeting with a confidential informant. The affidavit, excerpted here, notes that Bond explained he "used the nickname 'Lone Wolf' and these businesses all represented animals wolves typically hunt."

After Bond's arrest, agents searched his backpack and found "propaganda literature titled, "The Declaration of War--Killing People to Save the Animals and the Environment--Strike a Match Light a Fuse We've Only Have the Earth to Lose."

If convicted of the April 2010 arson at the Sheepskin Factory in Glendale, Colorado, Bond faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. (7 pages)