A judge dismissed charges against Steve Kurtz, professor and member of the Critical Art Ensemble, who has been in a four year legal battle after police discovered biological lab equipment and harmless bacteria in his home. The cops were at his house because he called 911 to report that his wife had died of heart failure. He had the biological gear and specimens for an art project. Kurtz was initially investigated for bioterrorism but later indicted for mail and wire fraud. From the New York Times:
U.S. District Judge Richard Arcara ruled that the 2004 mail and wire fraud indictment against Steven Kurtz, a University at Buffalo professor, was "insufficient on its face…"
"Obviously this is a weight off his back, but he still had to suffer through this for four years," said Kurtz's attorney, Paul Cambria. "The last thing this guy is is a bioterrorist."
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Buffalo said it was considering an appeal but otherwise declined to discuss the ruling.
Link (Thanks, Jody Radzik!)
Previously on BB:
• Art attack update Link
• Art of bioterrorism? RU Sirius interviews Steve Kurtz Link
• Case against Steve Kurtz continues Link
• Battling for bio art Link
• Art attack Link
