Monday, May 31, 2004

Anti-war activist Josh Connole received an apology and $20,000 from the West Covina Police Department for serving 8 days in jail and being labeled an "eco terrorist" earlier this year. Connole was falsely arrested for allegedly fire-bombing or vandalizing 133 hummers and SUVs last August. Recently un-sealed FBI search warrants reveal that Connole became a suspect after a neighbor became suspicious based on his anti-war politics, and electric car, then called in a tip. The FBI now claims that e-mails sent to local media sources clearing Connole came from Cal-Tech Physics Grad Student Billy Cottrell. Perhaps Josh Connole will be sharing some of his $20,000 settlement with Cottrell's defense fund.