Oregon Public Broadcasting

A 32-year-old violin teacher has been convicted of arson for the firebombing of a University of Washington research building in 2001.

The jury deadlocked on several other serious charges against Briana Waters, including conspiracy and use of a destructive device.

Federal prosecutor Mark Bartlett pronounced himself satisfied to chalk up another conviction.

Mark Bartlett: “We are thrilled with the verdict.  It provides the court sentencing discretion that will hold Ms. Waters accountable for her actions.  She will go away to jail for at least five years.  We believe it will be more than five years.”

Defense attorney Robert Bloom called the verdict a “tragedy.”  Bloom is afraid the jury deliberations might have been tainted by this week’s arson at a luxury subdivision northeast of Seattle.  An ELF banner was found at the scene.

Robert Bloom: “It is very troubling that there’s a conviction here.  I can only attribute it to the components of fear that were instilled ... that pervaded the courtroom.”

Bloom says Waters hasn’t stopped crying since hearing the jury verdict.  The former Olympia resident is being held as a flight risk until sentencing in May.