Five protestors who knowingly violated a secure area at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, near Silverdale, Washington, on November 2, 2009, were convicted today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma of conspiracy, trespass, destruction of property on a naval installation, and depredation of government property. The five were convicted following a four day jury trial. The jury deliberated just over four hours Friday and today before finding the five defendants guilty on all counts. STEPHEN M. KELLY, 60, of Oakland, California, SUSAN S. CRANE, 65, of Baltimore, Maryland, WILLIAM J. BICHSEL, 81, of Tacoma, Washington, ANNE MONTGOMERY, 83, of New York City and LYNNE T. GREENWALD, 60, of Bremerton, Washington, face up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle on March 28, 2011. The defendants remain free on their personal recognizance.

According to testimony at the trial, members of the group used bolt cutters to cut holes in three chain link fences in order to enter the Main Limited Area (MLA) at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. The defendants entered the secure area where they were apprehended and ultimately arrested by armed military personnel.

Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison. Trespass is punishable by up to six months in prison. Destruction of property on a naval installation is punishable by up to five years in prison and depredation of government property is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Some of the counts carry a possible fine of up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Arlen Storm and Brian Werner.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@USDOJ.Gov.

 

 

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