Chelsea Gerlach was arrested in Portland, Oregon on Dec. 7, 2005. On July 21, 2006, she pleaded guilty to three counts of Arson (Childer's Meat Company, Boise Cascade, Eugene Police Department university substation), one count of Destruction of an Energy Facility (Bonneville Power Administration transmission tower), one count of Aiding/Abetting an Attempted Arson, 12 counts of Aiding/Abetting an Arson (Jefferson Poplar Farm) and eight counts of aiding and abetting arson (Vail ski resort). On May 25, 2007, Chelsea was sentenced to 9 years for her crimes. With time served and time off for good behavior, we expect her to be released in 2013. Chelsea, her family and friends ask for your support during this difficult time. Please check back for updates periodically and read the sidebar for ways you can help! Chelsea's life in prison
Update #11 - March 4, 2008 Chelsea is settling into her new home; she is no longer restricted to her cell but is contained to the small administrative unit at FMC Carswell in Texas. This is the only place for high- or maximum-security federal women and houses just 17 inmates. They have a small, caged yard, so Chelsea's been able to go outside for the first time since she left Eugene. The Department of Homeland Security has imposed special monitoring of all her communications. Her phone use is restricted because it has to be scheduled in advance. She has been denied a confidential call with her attorney. Her mail has to be screened and approved in Washington D.C. As far as we know, there are no new restrictions on what she is allowed to receive, but we donšt know if all her mail is actually going through. If you have sent her correspondence and havenšt received a response, please let us know. Thank you to everyone who has sent Chelsea books in the last couple months. We have updated her amazon.com wish list, but please do not send any books now. She is only allowed to have 10 at a time. Before sending books, always check the lower righthand sidebar of the website, to see if she is over or under her limit. On a final note, we asked that you take a minute today to pray for Briana Waters who is currently facing trial in Seattle in a related case. Please note: Chelsea turns 31 on April 6! She would love to receive birthday messages! Chelsea is in Carswell, Texas
Update #10 - December 21, 2007
On Dec. 7, 2007, the second anniverary of her incarceration, Chelsea was moved to FMC Carswell in Texas.
She has been designated to the maximum security administrative unit. Within this unit, there are five security levels. She is currently at the highest and is not allowed to leave her cell. She has not had any disciplinary incidents, so we believe this designation is a direct result of the terrorism enhancement being applied to her case.
Chelsea is doing well, but would very much appreciate letters during this period of isolation. She also requests artwork and pictures, because all of her personal property was taken from her (including letters and her address book).
This move is especially difficult for her and her family coming at this time of year. We thank you for your support and wish you and your family joy and peace this holiday season! Chelsea is in Seattle
Update #9 - August 28, 2007
Chelsea has been moved to the SeaTac Federal Dentention Center just outside of Seattle. Her new mailing address is: Chelsea Gerlach We've learned that she was moved on the 24th but it took a while for us to figure out both that she had been moved and where she had been moved to. If you sent her anything after the 24th, it will likely be returned to you. Please send her mail and any encouragement you can. She really needs your support right now. Unfortunately, FDC SeaTac only allows visits from the family. But please send her a note to tell her you're thinking about her!
Thanks for your continued support! Chelsea was sentenced to nine years.
Update #7 - May 25, 2007
Chelsea's statement to the media: It's becoming increasingly clear that the continued exploitation of the Earth is causing drastic consequences: global warming, toxic pollution, mass extinction. Fundamental changes are needed in our society to achieve peace and sustainability. We all need to take personal responsibility for healing our relationship with the land and with each other. The family's statement: Chelsea is a very special person and we know that she will use her time in prison to the betterment of those around her. As her family, we appreciate the kindness Judge Aiken showed in reducing her sentence by a year. However, the government made the very rare decision to reverse its recommendation and allow her to be released pending prison and we're very disappointed that the court didn't approve that request. With how impressed both sides of the table were with her transformation, we're frankly shocked that the court didn't give that much more consideration in reducing her sentence. As regards the statements against her parents: We recognize and respect the decision of the court, however, the judge did not fully understand Chelsea's exceptional early maturity and accomplishments that earned our respect and trust. She had never given any indication of poor judgement or criminal intent and her parents trusted her. It wasn't benign neglect. We share the grief of the tragedy of these crimes, but it wasn't caused by parental neglect. In all, this experience has brought us closer to Chelsea and closer together as a family and in that way we are grateful for it. Her Statement Made to the Court
Update #4 - July 21, 2006
"Thank you for the opportunity to say a few things.
I would like to first apologize to everyone who has been hurt by my actions. It was not my intention to hurt anyone or to invoke fear. I'm sorry my actions had that effect. These actions were motivated by a deep sense of despair and anger at the deteriorating state of the global environment and the escalating inequities within society. But I realized years ago this was not an effective or appropriate way to effect positive change. I now know that it is better to act from love than from anger, better to create than destroy and better to plant gardens than to burn down buildings. I have taken responsibility for what I've done and will make amends by being a voice for peace in an increasingly hostile and polarized world. Thank you." Chelsea is doing well considering the circumstances
and thanks you all for sending her your love, prayers and good energy. For more information, send an email to Chelsea's
support committee at freechelseagerlach@hotmail.com (freechelseagerlach at hotmail dot com).
Biography Chelsea was born in the small logging community of Sweet Home, Ore. She graduated from International High School in South Eugene. An activist from an early age, Chelsea was arrested during an EarthFirst! campaign in a roadless area of Idaho at age 16. She has been involved in many different aspects of the environmental movement, such as interning with the Oregon Natural Resources Council, canvassing for the Sierra Club, and leading the Environmental Resource Center at Evergreen State College.
For several years before her arrest, she had become passionate about music, working as a professional DJ in Portland, Ore.
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Write: Please remember that all mail is read
by authorities and MUST HAVE A RETURN ADDRESS. Donating: There are several ways to donate to Chelsea's commissary. Read about them here. Personal checks can be sent to: Chelsea Gerlach Books: Chelsea has compiled an Amazon.com wishlist for those who would like to send her books!
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