Kevin Johnson (Kevin Olliff) and Tyler Lang are animal rights activists who were arrested on August 14 in rural Illinois on charges of „possession of burglary tools.“ Visit their support website for updates: supportkevinandtyler.com. Two Los Angeles animal rights activists – Kevin Olliff and Tyler Lang – have been arrested in rural Illinois. They are being charged with “possession of burglary tools,” a felony.
Many details are not known, and there are some we cannot post publicly yet, but here is what we can say right now:
The two were pulled over late on the night of August 14th in rural
Roanoke, Illinois. After refusing consent to a search, the police
searched their car anyway. Inside, police allege they found bolt
cutters, wire cutters, muriatic acid, ski masks, and cammo clothing.
There is no evidence linking them to any crime or intended crime, nor
were they arrested on anyone’s property, and their history as animal
advocates is the only basis for these serious felony charges.
They were subsequently arrested for “possession of burglary tools, ” for
the wire cutters and bolt cutters. The police have not yet speculated
what they believe the intended “burglary” target was. We will give more
details once we are able.
Kevin & Tyler have their next court date set for September 9th. This is just a preliminary hearing and we’re not yet sure what will transpire at this appearance, but it is likely there will be some more news to report after this date. Check back for updates.
Please send Kevin & Tyler a letter of support (include your email address if you wish to correspond via email):
Kevin Johnson #0327873943
WOODFORD COUNTY JAIL
111 E COURT ST
EUREKA, IL 61530-1252
Tyler Lang #0821889409
WOODFORD COUNTY JAIL
111 E COURT ST
EUREKA, IL 61530-1252
Tyler being held in segregation
We got word that Tyler Lang is being held in “administrative
segregation” for an unknown reason. This is a type of confinement
generally reserved for high-risk prisoners or those who are being
punished. We’re told he is being held in a small cell block with three
other prisoners separate from the rest of the population. It is possible
this is being done because the jail is so small, it is the only way to
keep Kevin and Tyler apart.
In other news regarding Tyler, he is not being given vegan food. So far,
he has been sustaining himself off food purchased from the jail
commissary, which is expensive. He is attempting to remedy the problem
from the inside, however calls to the jail may be necessary in the near
future.
Bail for Kevin and Tyler set at $100,000 & $200,000
After initially being held without bail, Kevin Olliff and Tyler Lang had their bail amounts set today.
The bail hearing shed some light on how the courts and law enforcement
may be treating this case. After the local prosecutor initially asked
for much lower amounts, the judge went beyond even what he requested and
set bail for Tyler Lang at $100,000, and Kevin Olliff at $200,000.
This amount is exorbitant for a “burglary tools” charge. In Illinois, $15,000 bail is the standard for Class 4 felonies.
Until bail can be arranged, Kevin and Tyler remain in jail.
About Kevin Olliff
Kevin is a 25 year-old activist from Brentwood, California. A vegan
since age 15, Kevin has been involved in numerous animal rights
campaigns since the mid-2000s, including vegan outreach,
anti-vivisection work, and a tour with the Sea Shepherd.
About Tyler Lang
Bio coming soon.
More Infos:
http://supportkevinandtyler.com/
