Earth Liberation Front members plead guilty in 2001 firebombing.

Byline: Hal Bernton and Christine Clarri

Oct. 5--TACOMA -- Lacey Phillabaum was a champion high-school debater who majored in art history at the University of Oregon. Jennifer Kolar's scientific bent took her to the University of Colorado, where she pursued a doctorate degree and attended climate conferences.

They were both members of the elusive underground of the Earth Liberation Front, which early on the morning of May 21, 2001, set off a firebomb that caused $7 million in damages at the University of Washington's Center for Urban Horticulture.

On Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, Phillabaum and Kolar pled guilty to participating in the UW arson and other crimes. They pledged their cooperation in a continuing federal investigation into a series of other arsons and attacks on property by Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) across the West.

Under the terms of separate plea agreements, prosecutors will recommend that Kolar, 33, of Seattle, receive a federal prison sentence of five-to-seven years, and a three-to-five-year term for Phillabaum, 31, of Spokane. The two were released without bail following their pleas.

"These violent acts of destruction are not a valid form of political speech," said U.S. Attorney John McKay. "We hope that these significant prison terms will dissuade others."

Both women faced a minimum of 30 years in prison if they had gone to trial and been convicted of all counts listed in their plea agreements.