Mink farm defendants plead not guilty

Two men indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with a pair of raids on mink farms appeared in U.S. District Court on Friday.

William James Viehl, 22, and Alex Jason Hall, 20, were arraigned on the two-count indictments, charging them with damage and interference with animal enterprises. Both men were appointed public defense attorneys, court records show, and entered not guilty pleas to the charges. A three-day trial was scheduled beginning May 11.

Federal prosecutors are seeking to have both men remain in jail until their trial. A hearing on whether they should be released is scheduled for Tuesday.

Viehl and Hall are accused in an August raid on a mink farm in South Jordan that led to the release of hundreds of minks. They are also accused of attempting to damage a Hyrum mink farm. The Animal Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the August attack.

— Ben Winslow