Marius Mason
Marius Mason (born Marie Mason, January 26, 1962) is an American anarchist who in 2009 was sentenced to 22 years in prison after admitting 13 counts of arson and property damage amounting to US$4 million. Mason, a member of the Earth Liberation Front, was prosecuted for a 1999 attack on a building at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, that caused more than US$1 million in damage, undertaken as a protest against research into genetically modified crops. A further US$3 million in damage included attacks on homes under construction, and on boats owned by a  mink farmer. Supporters claim that this case represents a form of political persecution, as part of the Green Scare phenomenon, when an overlong sentence is given to an individual who committed crimes against property. Around July 2014, Marius came out as a transgender man. Background. Mason has worked as a gardener, musician, writer, Earth First! organizer, and a volunteer for a free herbal-healthcare collective. He is 59 years old and a parent of two children. Mason and his husband at the time, Frank Ambrose, ignited an office that held records related to research on genetically modified, moth-resistant potatoes , funded by USAID and biotech company Monsanto ($2,500 out of the $20 million funding). The next day, Mason and Ambrose set fire to commercial logging equipment in Mesick, Michigan. Both arsons were claimed by the Earth Liberation Front as actions against genetic engineering, deforestation, and other environmentally destructive acts. On December 31st of 1999 members of the Land Liberation Front claimed an arson attack on the Michigan State University farm building located in East Lansing, Michigan, US ELF claimed it set the fire specifically to stop the work of those studying genetically modified foods. Subsequently, Ambrose was caught  and agreed to become a government informant, giving information that led to the arrest of Marius Mason. Mason and three others were indicted in March 2008. In February 2009, Mason was sentenced to 22 years in prison for arson, then the record sentence for an American eco-terrorist act. Trial. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagen Frank, about the prosecution seeking a 20-year sentence, this would be "the most onerous sentence imposed in a case of this sort". At the trial, the prosecution argued that "A good cause does not justify the worst means. That's not how society  works." During the three-hour hearing, Mason said, "I am genuinely sorry to those who were personally frightened by my actions. ... I meant to inspire thought and compassion, not fear." After the sentence, defense lawyer John Minock stated that he would appeal, commenting, "I'm shocked. It's grossly out of proportion to other cases." Personal life. Mason transitioned in 2016 while in federal prison, and was reported as the first trans man to do so. He came out to friends and family two years prior.