Artist indicted in organism case

A Buffalo, N.Y., artist who was initially the target of a federal terrorism investigation was indicted Tuesday on charges that he illegally obtained potentially harmful biological materials.

Also charged was a university administrator who allegedly helped him.

Steven Kurtz, the artist and a University at Buffalo professor, and Robert Ferrell, chairman of the University of Pittsburgh’s Human Genetics Department, were charged with wire fraud and mail fraud.

The charges accuse Ferrell of using his school account to order potentially harmful organisms for Kurtz.

Kurtz is a founding member of the Critical Art Ensemble, which has used human DNA and other biological materials in works meant to draw attention to political and social issues, such as genetically altered foods.

“The evidence is abundant that neither of these individuals had any criminal intent,” said Paul Cambria, Kurtz’s attorney. “Their intent was simply to educate and enlighten people.”