Seattle woman gets 5 years, $7M fine in UW arson

A Seattle woman who helped set fire to the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture in 2001 was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday.

Jennifer Kolar, 33, also was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay $7.1 million in restitution in connection with the May 21, 2001, arson. Kolar had pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit arson, two counts of arson, one count of attempted arson and using a destructive device during a crime of violence.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Kolar was part of a group that called itself "The Family." The group is responsible for a string of arsons across the Western United States on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front.

U.S. District Judge Franklin D. Burgess allowed Kolar to remain free until she has to report to prison in late September. Kolar said she used a knife to cut the glass to gain entry to the office of UW Professor Toby Bradshaw, where a destructive device was then placed. It cost more than $7 million to rebuild the facility.

According to her family, Kolar, a Spokane native, became an activist after moving to Boulder, Colo., to attend college there.

Earlier this year, she testified against Briana Waters, who was convicted of arson in connection with the fire.

Waters, 32, was sentenced last month to six years in prison and ordered to pay $6 million in restitution.

In addition to Kolar and Waters, three others were charged in connection with the UW fire.

Lacey Phillabaum, 33, pleaded guilty and faces three to five years in prison when sentenced on Aug. 19. She also testified against Waters.

Justin Solondz, 29, is charged with arson and using a destructive device in a crime of violence. Solondz is believed to be out of the country.

William C. Rodgers also participated in the arson but committed suicide in December 2005 while being held in an Arizona jail.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com