Allison Lance Watson Charge with Lying to Grand Jury

On January 14, Allison Lance-Watson — wife of Sea Shepherd activist Paul Watson — was arrested and charged with lying to a federal grand jury investigating a May 2000 arson at a Washington timber company.

Watson was called before a grand jury in October and given immunity from prosecution in order to compel her testimony.

During her grand jury testimony, Watson was asked about the use of a truck that the Watsons rented in May 2000 to haul equipment between Washington and California offices of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Specifically, Watson was asked whether the truck was always in Watson’s possession and whether she loaned it to anyone. Watson answered no to both inquiries. Then, she was asked whether or not Gina Lynn — an associate of Watson’s, was ever in the truck. Watson again answered no.

The problem for Watson is that the FBI has surveillance video tape of the truck at a Washington mini-mart only 12 miles and a few hours removed from the arson. The video tape apparently shows Lynn and animal rights extremist Joshua Trentor in the truck. Moreover, the occupants of the truck dumped five plastic bags full of clothes, ski masks, gloves, and a wrapper from a pair of bolt cutters.

Watson was released after posting bond. If convicted, she could face up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

Source:

Animal rights activist arrested. Paul Shukovsky, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, January 15, 2004.

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