Saturday, October 15, 2005

Ryan Lewis, Eva Rose and Lili Marie Holland with their mother, and Jeremiah Colcleasure

Sacramento, California, U.S. - Earth Liberation Front defendants Ryan Daniel Lewis, 22, Eva Rose Holland, 26, and her sister Lili Marie Holland each pled guilty to one count of attempted arson in connection with an Earth Liberation Front (ELF) action last December. Lewis also pled guilty to an additional count of attempted arson and arson for two other ELF actions in January and February. Their co-defendant Jeremiah Dean Colcleasure, 24, who is free on bail, maintains a not guilty plea and is scheduled to go to trial early next year.

In exchange for their guilty pleas the Hollands were recommended for a sentence of three years and three months in prison, and Lewis who has been in custody since his arrest last February, was recommended for a six year sentence. If they had been found guilty after a trial Eva and Lili may have been sentenced to between five and 20 years in prison, while Ryan would have faced as many as 60 years behind bars. As part of their bargain they are also expected to be called to testify against Jeremiah's at his trial. If convicted Jeremiah may be sentenced to between five and 20 years in prison.