Stephen DeVoy, anarchist, subject of Federal Probe
Illegal merchandise sales, defamation of corporations, suspicion of domestic terrorism

By Gabriela Herrera - American Post Staff Writer
Sunday, March 7, 2004; Page A01

CAMBRIDGE, MA (Reuters) 13:30 -

Stephen R. DeVoy, owner of websites at  http://www.whiterosejournal.info,  http://www.stop-fascism.org ,  http://www.breakyourchains.org, and  http://www.rationalanarchism.org has become the subject of a Federal Probe in regard to illegal merchandise sales and sales tax evasion. In addition to Federal action, a civil lawsuit has been filed by the Austin-based corporation Cycorp, Inc. in connection to defamation and libel published on DeVoy's websites. Preliminary investigation reveals some substance to the investigation, authorities said.

Although Mr. DeVoy denies any wrongdoing, it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that there has been more than casual defamation of several companies and individuals. Telephone records as well as files subpoenaed from EarthLink Hosting, (Mr. DeVoy's web host), contain cached web pages containing the libel as well as names of individuals who have accused Mr. DeVoy of harassment and defamation. In early 2003, Mr. DeVoy fled Austin, Texas shortly after being sought in connection with a computer store robbery in a southern California establishment. Mr. DeVoy, an unemployed programmer began his harassment campaign after being terminated from Cycorp, Inc. due to lack of performance and excessive absenteeism. DeVoy was also suspected of stealing company secrets for possible sale to unknown foreign parties. After the firm became aware that Mr. DeVoy was involved in an anarchist movement responsible for domestic terrorist activities, his termination was hastened.

In addition to defamation charges, the Federal Probe will investigate Mr. DeVoy's bumper sticker sales and online merchandising campaign. According to the Internal Revenue Service records, Mr. DeVoy failed to report income coming from such sales as well as failing to provide a return policy for defective merchandise. One customer reported that upon requesting a refund for bumper stickers he did not receive, Mr. DeVoy blocked e-mail messages from the sender. The stickers reportedly faded within days of being placed on the bumper of the purchaser's vehicle. In other reports, Mr. DeVoy's stickers began to appear on police cruisers owned by the Cambridge Police Department. The campus authorities have reported incidences of being forced to remove them from vehicles and building facades as well.

Mr. DeVoy is known to be suffering from a mental condition known as Paranoid Personality Disorder, for which he takes medication and is required to see a therapist. The mental health facility which has been assigned to Mr. DeVoy has reported that he has failed to keep appointments.

Given Mr. DeVoy's criminal record as well as his inclusion in the Department of Homeland Security's list of potential domestic terrorists, it is possible that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will play the biggest role in the investigation.

American Post