Eric McDavid and two other codefendants now cooperating with authorities were arrested on January 13, 2006, although they had not committed a crime. The three are accused of "conspiring to damage or destroy by explosive or fire" cell phone towers, power plants and US Forest Service facilities. He faces 5-20 years in prison if convicted.

The three allegedly fell into federal hands because of a paid informant named "Anna," a very militant-sounding "activist" who was paid $75,000 plus expenses for her time "embedded" in the group. Her role was more than observant, however, as she rented a house in California (with federal money) where the group allegedly met to conspire and she paid for and procured supposed "bomb-making materials."

To date, his time in prison has been arduous. He was not being fed vegan food and went on hunger strike to protest his improper treatment. He fell ill and lost a great amount of weight before the prison began to meet his dietary needs. Eric has been refused bail as a "flight risk" or "danger to the community," so he has been detained in solitary confinement at a Sacramento jail since his arrest.

One codefendant, Lauren Weiner, agreed on May 30, 2006 to cooperate with federal investigations and pled guilty to a lesser charge of conspiracy. A .pdf version of her plea bargain is posted here. She has been released on bail. According to a press release on Wednesday, July 19, Zachary Jenson also has pled guilty and has agreed to testify against Eric.

Eric still maintains his innocence and needs support. You can download a flyer for Eric here. He can be written at:

McDavid, Eric X-2972521 4E 231A Sacramento County Main Jail 651 "I" Street Sacramento, CA 95814