- BJ and Alex are in custody again and awaiting trial.
Letter from Alex
01/27/10
Hello to all of you out there. It's January 9th 2010 and I am approximately 6 months into my journey of being incarcerated. Wow, how the time has flown by, we were indicted March 5th of 2009 and I honestly have no idea where this last year went. Time really does fly when you're havin' fun. Things could be worse I suppose. I am happy to report that I have become settled in to this life "behind bars", hopefully I'm not here for the long haul, but if that turns out to be the case, I am ready for it. As far as news on my case, unfortunately I have little to report. Still just waiting, for how much longer I can't really say but my lawyers are working on getting things together for a potential trail sometime in the months ahead. For those of you who believe in luck, cross your fingers for B.J. and I, we have some stressful times ahead of us and could use all the help we can get!
On a very serious note, I would like to thank everyone and anyone who has been involved in supporting us since we've been locked up. The amount of love and support we've received has been absolutely phenomenal, I couldn't ask for a better group of people out there on our side. I would also like to send a special thanks out to all the locals from Salt Lake and surrounding cities. The amount of dedication they have shown to us has been astonishing, some day I will find a way to make it up to all of you. I love you guys! And last but not least, I gotta show some love for my momma, as I expected she has been right here with me this whole time and I am so happy to have her as a mom. No matter how much trouble I end up being in after all this I know she will always be here for me. You rule mom! Love ya!
Last week I received a copy of the latest issue of Bite Back magazine. Aside form B.J. and I being mentioned a few times, it was a very uplifting piece of literature that I was thrilled to get my hands on. It reminded me of why I am here, and that above all is what gets me by in here. My small, temporary sacrifice of freedom is such a trivial price to pay for the amount of lives spared by the actions I am accused of having a part of. That is something I will never forget!
In Solidarity,
Alex Hall
BJ Changes Plea (Update)
09/08/09
Greetings everyone! Thanks to all who have shown love and support throughout mine, and Alex's incarceration. We hope you all understand how much appreciation, and love we both have for all of our supporters. apart from my thanks, I felt it would be a good time for an update on my case. these last few months have been intense. With the help of my lawyers, we have litigated and motived to suppress "evidence", and motioned for dismissal based on lack of jurisdiction. Despite our attempts we were not successful. After playing all the cards I was dealt, and becoming aware of circumstances out of my control, I realized the best plan of action would be to change my plea to guilty. If this case was in a different state or district, chances at trial would be much more in my favor. Unfortunately that is not the case.
Utah is a very conservative and religiously controlled state, and cases like mine are almost always guilty until proven innocent. Having a politically and religiously biased jury deciding my fate will not be of my best interest. The change of plea hearing will be on September 2nd, 2009. and will basically consist of me admitting guilt and accepting responsibility. This, however, WILL NOT affect Alex negatively in any way. What ever Alex chooses to do with his case, he will have my love and respect. I realized I am no help to the A.R. community sitting in jail. I cant wait to get out and do lots of volunteer work at our local animal sanctuary "Ching Farm" and I cant wait to see a bunch of my supporters face to face. I also plan on doing a lot more public outreach, and educating the masses on the atrocities that innocent lives go through in the factory farm industries, along with the truths of the devastating effects to the environment that follow.
Regarding my imprisonment, I don't want people to worry. I will respectfully serve whatever sentence the court gives me. Along with that and accepting responsibility, I am in no way cooperating or testifying about any other activists. It is strictly me, myself, and I, admitting guilt. Sentencing for my case will follow about 70 days after the change of plea. Based on federal sentencing guidelines, I will hopefully be a free man March 2010. Once again, I want to thank all of our supporters, and give you the up most love and respect. I'm so proud to be apart of such a strong community. The amount of love and support strangers give to one another is almost overwhelming. Please don't stop your support for the Aeta 4 and Alex, it is very much needed.
Everyone of you, are the hope for the future regarding the welfare of all living creatures on this planet. For the environment and for the animals.
In Solidarity,
BJ
Rumors in the air
08/07/09
It has come to our attention that there is a statement being released by fellow activists accusing BJ's wife of giving up information to a grand jury implicating activists. We ask that you disregard these rumors as they are unconfirmed.
BJ's wife is working on having the record of the grand jury testimony released to clear her name. She insists that these are hurtful and untrue accusations. Her husband is in jail, she is in financial crisis, and this sort of stress is very tasteless.
We understand that passions run deep in our community and appreciate those who are looking out for BJ and Alex but right now is not the time to be creating problems in for fellow activists, it only weakens and divides us in this time where we should stand strong together.
At this time, please do not pass these rumors on. Please do not pass any rumors on. The court date is not even set and soon enough all information will be made public. BJ would appreciate you respecting his wife, and Alex his friend.
In Solidarity.
P.S. In the mean time please send letters of support to BJ and Alex (See Below)
More Information...
08/01/09
BJ Viehl was put back into custody on Monday, June 29th. On July 2, there was a court hearing where bogus arguments about BJ "violating pre-trial" were made. The judge has ruled that BJ remain in custody until the (undetermined) court date.
Alex Hall was taken back into custody on the July 15th. The judge has also determined that Alex is to remain in custody until. The prosecution argued that BJ and Alex are a "threat" to the public even though they were under strict electronic monitoring. BJ and Alex have been locked up before it has been determined that they are "guilty" or "not guilty". Please send them letters of support to raise their spirits. The cour date has been postponed many times and it is unknown how much longer it will continue to be delayed.
How To Send Mail:
If you are sending letters please remember that all mail will be read. Please do not mention the case. All mail must have your first and last name, be on clean white lined paper, in blue or black ink, and must contain nothing lewd. If you would like to send pictures please don't send any that are larger than 5" X 7".
How To Send Books:
All books must be NEW and come only from amazon.com we are working on getting a book wish list together so check back for that.
Addresses:
BJ and Alex are back in custody.
07/02/09
Bad News....BJ was put back into custody for alleged "violation of his pretrial orders". The judge (an ex prosecutor against "eco-terrorism") has ordered that he remains in custody pending trial. Please send books and letter to:
William James Viehl
INMATE # 05735
Davis County Jail
800 West State St.
Farmington, UT 84025
Alex was nabbed as well for an unpaid ticket and is now in custody as well. More details to come about this.
Also...their trial has been postponed. We dont know the exact date but we will keep everyone updated when we find out.
*PLEASE REPOST!!!!!
Legal Funds Needed for Alex!
03/23/09
We need to raise at least $5,000 more for Alex's legal defense. If you are able and willing to donate anything, plan a fund raiser, buy a t-shirt it would be very appreciated. Even a small amount would help. You can do it via Paypal or to the PO Box. We need to do this as soon as possible so we can get someone working with Alex on the case.
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far!
Please support Jordan - Arrested for standing up for his rights
03/22/09
Jordan Halliday, was arrested for contempt of court on March 13. The United States Attorneys office subpoenaed him to testify in front of a Federal Grand Jury, and provide information involving the mink liberation's in Utah. He refused to cooperate, because the questions asked where not related to the investigation. He was only asked personal questions about his friend and associations.
Grand juries are unconstitutional fishing expeditions that have been used throughout U.S. history to disrupt and destroy social justice movements. They take away rights to force answers to questions, without being able to have a lawyer present. Jordan was well aware of the exploitation and abuse of these tactics and resisted the proceedings which resorting in him being arrested.
The judge ordered that Jordan will remain in custody of the Federal Marshal's until he agrees to cooperate or the grand jury expires on June 30. If the Grand Jury is extended,
Jordan can be held longer.
Send letters of support to:
Cache County Jail
Jordan Halliday
Inmate # 24836
1225 West Valley View Highway Suite 100
Logan, Utah 84321
BJ and Alex to be RELEASED!!!
03/10/09
Today at the bail hearing it was decided that BJ and Alex will be released!!! They should be out sometime today. They looked healthy, happy, and relieved.
They will have a curfew, and electric monitoring and are not allowed to have contact with anyone who is known to be affiliated with "Straight Edge" or "ALF" (not exactly sure what that means). They will also have software put on their computers to log activity. Please do not contact them about the case or anything animal rights related.
We sill need to raise (at minimum) $10,000 for Alex's legal fees so please donate, support, come to the shows, fund raise, etc.... Every little bit help.
Thanks a lot everyone for your support!!!
News Archive
01/27/10
Hello to all of you out there. It's January 9th 2010 and I am approximately 6 months into my journey of being incarcerated. Wow, how the time has flown by, we were indicted March 5th of 2009 and I honestly have no idea where this last year went. Time really does fly when you're havin' fun. Things could be worse I suppose. I am happy to report that I have become settled in to this life "behind bars", hopefully I'm not here for the long haul, but if that turns out to be the case, I am ready for it. As far as news on my case, unfortunately I have little to report. Still just waiting, for how much longer I can't really say but my lawyers are working on getting things together for a potential trail sometime in the months ahead. For those of you who believe in luck, cross your fingers for B.J. and I, we have some stressful times ahead of us and could use all the help we can get!
On a very serious note, I would like to thank everyone and anyone who has been involved in supporting us since we've been locked up. The amount of love and support we've received has been absolutely phenomenal, I couldn't ask for a better group of people out there on our side. I would also like to send a special thanks out to all the locals from Salt Lake and surrounding cities. The amount of dedication they have shown to us has been astonishing, some day I will find a way to make it up to all of you. I love you guys! And last but not least, I gotta show some love for my momma, as I expected she has been right here with me this whole time and I am so happy to have her as a mom. No matter how much trouble I end up being in after all this I know she will always be here for me. You rule mom! Love ya!
Last week I received a copy of the latest issue of Bite Back magazine. Aside form B.J. and I being mentioned a few times, it was a very uplifting piece of literature that I was thrilled to get my hands on. It reminded me of why I am here, and that above all is what gets me by in here. My small, temporary sacrifice of freedom is such a trivial price to pay for the amount of lives spared by the actions I am accused of having a part of. That is something I will never forget!
In Solidarity,
Alex Hall
09/08/09
Greetings everyone! Thanks to all who have shown love and support throughout mine, and Alex's incarceration. We hope you all understand how much appreciation, and love we both have for all of our supporters. apart from my thanks, I felt it would be a good time for an update on my case. these last few months have been intense. With the help of my lawyers, we have litigated and motived to suppress "evidence", and motioned for dismissal based on lack of jurisdiction. Despite our attempts we were not successful. After playing all the cards I was dealt, and becoming aware of circumstances out of my control, I realized the best plan of action would be to change my plea to guilty. If this case was in a different state or district, chances at trial would be much more in my favor. Unfortunately that is not the case.
Utah is a very conservative and religiously controlled state, and cases like mine are almost always guilty until proven innocent. Having a politically and religiously biased jury deciding my fate will not be of my best interest. The change of plea hearing will be on September 2nd, 2009. and will basically consist of me admitting guilt and accepting responsibility. This, however, WILL NOT affect Alex negatively in any way. What ever Alex chooses to do with his case, he will have my love and respect. I realized I am no help to the A.R. community sitting in jail. I cant wait to get out and do lots of volunteer work at our local animal sanctuary "Ching Farm" and I cant wait to see a bunch of my supporters face to face. I also plan on doing a lot more public outreach, and educating the masses on the atrocities that innocent lives go through in the factory farm industries, along with the truths of the devastating effects to the environment that follow.
Regarding my imprisonment, I don't want people to worry. I will respectfully serve whatever sentence the court gives me. Along with that and accepting responsibility, I am in no way cooperating or testifying about any other activists. It is strictly me, myself, and I, admitting guilt. Sentencing for my case will follow about 70 days after the change of plea. Based on federal sentencing guidelines, I will hopefully be a free man March 2010. Once again, I want to thank all of our supporters, and give you the up most love and respect. I'm so proud to be apart of such a strong community. The amount of love and support strangers give to one another is almost overwhelming. Please don't stop your support for the Aeta 4 and Alex, it is very much needed.
Everyone of you, are the hope for the future regarding the welfare of all living creatures on this planet. For the environment and for the animals.
In Solidarity,
BJ
08/07/09
It has come to our attention that there is a statement being released by fellow activists accusing BJ's wife of giving up information to a grand jury implicating activists. We ask that you disregard these rumors as they are unconfirmed.
BJ's wife is working on having the record of the grand jury testimony released to clear her name. She insists that these are hurtful and untrue accusations. Her husband is in jail, she is in financial crisis, and this sort of stress is very tasteless.
We understand that passions run deep in our community and appreciate those who are looking out for BJ and Alex but right now is not the time to be creating problems in for fellow activists, it only weakens and divides us in this time where we should stand strong together.
At this time, please do not pass these rumors on. Please do not pass any rumors on. The court date is not even set and soon enough all information will be made public. BJ would appreciate you respecting his wife, and Alex his friend.
In Solidarity.
P.S. In the mean time please send letters of support to BJ and Alex (See Below)
08/01/09
BJ Viehl was put back into custody on Monday, June 29th. On July 2, there was a court hearing where bogus arguments about BJ "violating pre-trial" were made. The judge has ruled that BJ remain in custody until the (undetermined) court date.
Alex Hall was taken back into custody on the July 15th. The judge has also determined that Alex is to remain in custody until. The prosecution argued that BJ and Alex are a "threat" to the public even though they were under strict electronic monitoring. BJ and Alex have been locked up before it has been determined that they are "guilty" or "not guilty". Please send them letters of support to raise their spirits. The cour date has been postponed many times and it is unknown how much longer it will continue to be delayed.
How To Send Mail:
If you are sending letters please remember that all mail will be read. Please do not mention the case. All mail must have your first and last name, be on clean white lined paper, in blue or black ink, and must contain nothing lewd. If you would like to send pictures please don't send any that are larger than 5" X 7".
How To Send Books:
All books must be NEW and come only from amazon.com we are working on getting a book wish list together so check back for that.
Addresses:
|
Alex Jason Hall Inmate # 2009-06304 Davis County Jail 800 West State Street Farmington, UT 84025 |
William James Viehl Inmate # 2009-05735 Davis County Jail 800 West State Street Farmington, UT 84025 |
07/02/09
Bad News....BJ was put back into custody for alleged "violation of his pretrial orders". The judge (an ex prosecutor against "eco-terrorism") has ordered that he remains in custody pending trial. Please send books and letter to:
William James Viehl
INMATE # 05735
Davis County Jail
800 West State St.
Farmington, UT 84025
Alex was nabbed as well for an unpaid ticket and is now in custody as well. More details to come about this.
Also...their trial has been postponed. We dont know the exact date but we will keep everyone updated when we find out.
*PLEASE REPOST!!!!!
03/23/09
We need to raise at least $5,000 more for Alex's legal defense. If you are able and willing to donate anything, plan a fund raiser, buy a t-shirt it would be very appreciated. Even a small amount would help. You can do it via Paypal or to the PO Box. We need to do this as soon as possible so we can get someone working with Alex on the case.
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far!
03/22/09
Jordan Halliday, was arrested for contempt of court on March 13. The United States Attorneys office subpoenaed him to testify in front of a Federal Grand Jury, and provide information involving the mink liberation's in Utah. He refused to cooperate, because the questions asked where not related to the investigation. He was only asked personal questions about his friend and associations.
Grand juries are unconstitutional fishing expeditions that have been used throughout U.S. history to disrupt and destroy social justice movements. They take away rights to force answers to questions, without being able to have a lawyer present. Jordan was well aware of the exploitation and abuse of these tactics and resisted the proceedings which resorting in him being arrested.
The judge ordered that Jordan will remain in custody of the Federal Marshal's until he agrees to cooperate or the grand jury expires on June 30. If the Grand Jury is extended,
Jordan can be held longer.
Send letters of support to:
Cache County Jail
Jordan Halliday
Inmate # 24836
1225 West Valley View Highway Suite 100
Logan, Utah 84321
03/10/09
Today at the bail hearing it was decided that BJ and Alex will be released!!! They should be out sometime today. They looked healthy, happy, and relieved.
They will have a curfew, and electric monitoring and are not allowed to have contact with anyone who is known to be affiliated with "Straight Edge" or "ALF" (not exactly sure what that means). They will also have software put on their computers to log activity. Please do not contact them about the case or anything animal rights related.
We sill need to raise (at minimum) $10,000 for Alex's legal fees so please donate, support, come to the shows, fund raise, etc.... Every little bit help.
Thanks a lot everyone for your support!!!