CPTnet
February 2, 1998
Chicago: Correction on Ed Kinane's sentence reported in Anne Herman posting

In a piece describing Anne Herman's incarceration at Danbury Federal
Correction Institute for trespassing at the School of the Americas, it was
incorrectly reported that Ed Kinane had received a 15 year sentence for
changing the sign at the School of the Americas to read "School of the
Assassins."

Kinane, a Peace Brigades activist, has worked with CPTers in Haiti.

In a subsequent phone conversation with Kathleen Kern, Kinane said he had
received the same 6 month sentence $3000 fine that Herman had for a
misdameanor trespassing charge. Additionally, he is awaiting a jury trial on
March 2, 1998 on two felony charges: one for destroying federal property and
one for "maliciously" destroying federal property. The maximum sentence for
the former would be 5 years and the the maximum sentence for the latter would
be 10 years. Kinane is hopeful that he will not receive the full 15 year
sentence.

Unlike Herman, who pleaded "no contest" to the misdemeanor charge, Kinane is
appealing his conviction.

The judge before whom Kinane will appear is Robert Elliott, also known as
"Maximum Bob" because of his tendency to impose the maximum sentences allowed
under federal guidelines. Elliott at 88 is the oldest sitting federal judge.
In the 60's he handed out stiff sentences to civil rights workers who
performed civil disobedience. Ninety percent of his civil rights convictions
were overturned by higher courts.

Kinane has appeared before Elliott several times. In none of his trials did
Elliott allow him or other defendants to present evidence that that the
School of the Americas trains Latin American military personnel to torture,
assassinate and commit widespread human rights violations.

Anne Tiffany, Kinane's life partner, pled "not guilty" to the misdemeanour
trespassing charge and, like Herman, received a six month sentence. She is
awaiting notification regarding to which federal penitentiary she must
report.

Kinane and Tiffany may be reached for comment at (315) 478-4571. Cards and
letters may be sent to 340 Midland Ave/Syracuse, NY 13202