‘BANGOR 5' INDICTED FOR CONSPIRACY, TRESPASS, DESTRUCTION OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
Group Cut Through Three Fences, Violated Areas Secured by Armed Guards
Five individuals who knowingly violated a secure area at Naval Base Kitsap’s Bangor complex, near Silverdale, Washington, on November 2, 2009, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy, trespass, destruction of property on a naval installation, and depredation of government property. The five have been summoned to appear in U.S. District Court in Tacoma for arraignment on September 24, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. 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 and a $250,000 fine if convicted on all charges.
According to the indictment, 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’s Bangor complex. The defendants entered the secure area where they were apprehended and ultimately arrested by armed military personnel.
“All citizens are free to disagree with their government. But they are not free to destroy property or risk the safety of others,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “These defendants entered a naval installation during a time of war, cutting through three fences into a clearly marked prohibited zone. They endangered themselves and prompted military personnel, who are duty bound to guard the area, to quickly make a decision over the use of force. These defendants quite literally crossed the line and must be held accountable.”
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 charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Arlen Storm and Kate Crisham.
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.
