Glendale, Colorado Man Arrested for Sheepskin Factory Arson

DENVER Walter Bond, age 34, was arrested last night by Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for the April 30, 2010 arson of the Sheepskin Factory in Glendale, Colorado. Bond, who is charged with one count of arson of property affecting interstate commerce, is scheduled to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon, where he will be advised of the charges pending against him, and the related penalties for that crime. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, on April 30, 2010, a fire occurred at the Sheepskin Factory located at 510 South Colorado Boulevard, in Glendale, Colorado. The business sells a variety of sheepskin products, including seat covers, shoes, rugs and blankets via their store and internet, meaning the products travel within interstate commerce. The fire destroyed the building and its contents, resulting in approximately $500,000 in damages. According to the complaint, Bond went by the nickname "Lone Wolf." He allegedly burned the Sheepskin Factory in Denver as well as a leather factory and restaurant in Utah. At one point it is believed that Bond lived near the Sheepskin Factory in Glendale. He allegedly watched the business burn and saw fire trucks responding. It is also believed that he intended to "torch" the Sheepskin Factory "in a couple of years" again since it is now reopened at another location. The affidavit noted that someone using the nickname "ALF Lone Wolf" posted on an internet site the following text: "the arson at the Sheepskin Factory in Denver was done in defense and retaliation for all the innocent animals that have died cruelly at the hands of human oppressors. Be warned that making a living from the use and abuse of animals will not be tolerated. Also be warned that leather is every bit as evil as fur. As demonstrated in my recent arson against the Leather Factory in Salt Lake City. Go vegan!" If convicted of arson of property affecting interstate commerce, Bond faces not less than 5 years, and not more than 20 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by the ATF, FBI, Denver Fire Department, and the Glendale Police Department.