Man charged in animal-rights vandalism at UI released from jail

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.