Minnesota Man Held in UI Vandalism Case Released from Jail

By Steve Gravelle

Tools

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 30, 2009 at 5:45 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2009 at 10:29 PM CST

MUSCATINE COUNTY - Scott DeMuth, the Minneapolis man charged in the 2004 animal-rights vandalism at the University of Iowa, was ordered released from jail Monday.

After reviewing prosecutors’ challenge to an earlier order for DeMuth’s release, Judge John Jarvey wrote “the government has failed to
demonstrate that the release of the defendant would pose a danger to the community or a serious risk of flight.”

DeMuth, 22, a University of Minnesota graduate student, pleaded not guilty Nov. 21 to one count of conspiracy in U.S. District Court in Davenport. The government had asked DeMuth be held in the Muscatine County Jail pending trial, set for March.

Investigators used a journal and a lock-picking device found in a search of DeMuth’s home to tie him to the Nov. 13-14, 2004, break-in at Spence Laboratories and Seashore Hall. University officials said the vandalism, which included the release of 88 mice and 313 rats used in psychology department experiments, totaled $450,000.

Carrie Feldman, 20, also from the Minneapolis area, remains jailed for civil contempt. She refused twice to testify before the grand jury investigating the incident.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

More Good Stuff

What's On KCRG