Prosecution Witnesses Wrap on Day 4 of Sonoma County Trial for DxE Operative Charged with Conspiracy, Burglary, and Theft; Judge Rejects Rosenberg’s Bid to Dismiss Case

Zoe Rosenberg faces felony conspiracy charge in Sonoma County Superior Court case

Petaluma, Calif. — The fourth day of the trial of Zoe Rosenberg, a Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) operative, concluded in Sonoma County Superior Court today with closing testimony from Allison Howlett, Petaluma Poultry’s Safety, Security and Environmental Manager. Howlett’s remarks were the third and final witness testimony from the prosecution, which was preceded by a Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy and a cybersecurity manager for Petaluma Poultry. In addition to the substantial evidence linking Rosenberg to the alleged crimes throughout the week, additional testimony was heard after jurors were dismissed for the day, including six-figure financial loss to Petaluma Poultry due to the security breach and temporary closure of Petaluma Poultry’s processing facility after the series of security breaches were discovered.

Despite clear and compelling evidence, including video footage of Rosenberg at Petaluma Poultry’s processing facility, following the end of the prosecution’s final witness testimony in the case, the defense team submitted a motion requesting a judgement of acquittal based on insufficient evidence. The presiding judge, the Hon. Kenneth Gnoss, rejected the defense’s motion following a recess, allowing the trial to move forward.

“It’s hard to believe that after a strong line-up of testimony from prosecutors, that Rosenberg’s legal team made an attempt to pull the wool over our eyes and overlook the substantial and incriminating evidence that prosecution witnesses shared,” said Jennifer Beretta, a spokesperson for the Sonoma County Family Farmers Alliance who is also part of a multi-generational organic farming family. “It is clear that Rosenberg engaged in criminal conduct and unlawfully stole chickens, while placing tracking devices and accessing confidential records over a series of break-ins at Petaluma Poultry. I am hopeful this will lay a strong foundation to gain a conviction on all charges. I look forward to seeing the defense’s case play out in the week or weeks ahead.”

Poultry is part of DxE’s ongoing intimidation campaign to eliminate animal agriculture in Sonoma County. The defendant’s reckless actions include:

• Breaking into chicken houses under cover of darkness to steal livestock, recklessly jeopardizing biosecurity and animal health.

• Accessing company data and privileged information through private computer systems.

• Harassing associates and their families at private residences.

• Disrupting businesses and restaurants across Northern California.

Petaluma Poultry is a recognized leader in free-range and organic poultry, with farms and facilities subject to rigorous audits and government oversight. The company remains united with its associates and neighbors against these illegal tactics and will continue to defend the region’s food supply, the importance of local agriculture, and the future of responsible animal farming.

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Media Contact: rob@muelrathpublicaffairs.com