11/13/09

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ A federal judge says he wants a stiffer
sentence than recommended for a Layton man accused in the release
of hundreds of mink at a South Jordan farm.

U.S. District Judge Dee Benson on Thursday said the six-month
prison term recommended in a plea deal with 23-year-old William
James Viehl is too lenient. Benson says he favors a sentence of at
least two years in prison.

In August 2008, about 600 mink were released and breeding
records destroyed at the McMullin mink farm about 20 miles south of
Salt Lake City.

Viehl has pleaded guilty to using a cell phone for the purpose
of damaging an animal operation.

Benson scheduled another sentencing hearing for Dec. 7.

A second man charged in the case, Alex Hall, is scheduled for
trial the same day.
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Information from: Standard-Examiner, http://www.standard.net

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