2 U. of Arizona Graduate Students Are Freed on Bail in Brazil

Two graduate students from the University of Arizona were among a group of researchers arrested in Brazil on suspicion of “unauthorized mineral prospecting.” The group was freed on bail late Thursday, the Associated Press reported.

The geosciences students were identified as Mark Andrew Tress and Michael Matthew McGlue. Along with a third American, Kelly Michael Wendt, they were collecting sediment cores from the bottoms of lakes and wetlands in southwestern Brazil as part of climate research. The group was working in conjunction with the University of the State of São Paulo. Two Brazilian scientists were also arrested.

The Americans posted bail of $2,550 and surrendered their passports. A Brazilian police spokesman said the men were in the country on tourist visas.

Arizona’s spokesman, Johnny Cruz, said, “The university has been in frequent contact with the students’ attorney and families and is providing support that enabled them to be released and to return home as soon as possible.” —Don Troop