Brown arrests, continued

[Demosthenes]

Brown supporters' arrest: A 'gun in every room'
By KATHRYN MARCHOCKI
New Hampshire Union Leader Staff
8 hours, 40 minutes ago

CONCORD – One of four men accused of helping convicted tax evaders Edward and Elaine Brown avoid arrest allegedly had a "gun in every room" when agents arrested him in Vermont Wednesday, and another recently enlisted in the U.S. Army and had a pipe bomb and other weapons in his New York home when authorities searched it yesterday, officials said.

Two of the men pleaded not guilty in federal court yesterday to charges they provided guns or other supplies to the Plainfield couple and helped hinder federal agents from taking the Browns into custody. Two others are awaiting extradition to face charges here.

"We've said from the very beginning ... that people who may be aiding and abetting the Browns are subject to investigation, arrest and prosecution," U.S. Marshal for New Hampshire Stephen R. Monier told reporters after the U.S. District Court hearings.

All four men were arrested Wednesday in various states after a federal grand jury in Concord returned indictments earlier that day on charges ranging from the supplying the fugitive couple with food, weapons and armed security to conducting counter-surveillance of federal agents.

"This was a tax case, but the Browns have allegedly engaged with others and encouraged others to assist them in their ongoing obstruction of justice," Monier added. "Unfortunately, that only adds to his legal difficulties and to ongoing criminal investigations into their conduct."

The Browns, who were found guilty in January and sentenced in abstentia to 63 months in federal prison in April, have remained holed up in their fortress-style home despite repeated calls for their surrender.

They claim the federal income tax is not legitimate and have said they will die defending themselves and their home.

Robert Wolffe, 50, of Randolph, Vt., and Daniel Riley, 40, of Albany, N.Y., were arraigned in separate, brief hearings yesterday.

Cirino "Reno" Gonzalez, 30, of Alice, Texas, and Jason Gerhard, 22, of Brookhaven, N.Y., were arrested in Texas and Missouri, respectively.

They face extradition hearings in those states and are expected to be returned to New Hampshire in several days to face charges here, Monier said.

Gerhard, who recently enlisted in the Army, was arrested at Fort Leonard Wood, according to the U.S. marshal's office. Police and federal agents searched his Long Island, N.Y., home yesterday, where they seized a pipe bomb, rifles and other weapons, officials said.

Wolffe, who was arrested in Hartford, Vt., pleaded not guilty to accessory after the fact. He is accused of providing the Browns with a car used by the couple's supporters to run errands and gather supplies for the fugitive couple.

Wolffe also is alleged to have provided armed security to the Browns, conducted counter-surveillance of federal marshals and used his home as base to ship food and other supplies to the Browns, the indictment charges.

Wolffe allegedly had a "gun in every room" when agents came to arrest him, Judge James R. Muirhead said.

Riley, 40, who was arrested in Cohoes, N.Y., was arraigned on a four-count federal indictment alleging he bought firearms, brought firearms to the Browns' home, and publicly announced he would forcibly resist U.S. marshals' efforts to arrest the couple.

He pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to prevent federal officers from discharging their duties, conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, accessory after the fact, and carrying and possessing a firearm in connection with a violent crime.

Riley also is charged with delivering fire extinguishers to the couple's house, because he thought federal agents would set it on fire, and equipping it with motion detector lights.

Riley and Wolffe were appointed lawyers and ordered held in U.S. marshal's custody pending a bail hearing Monday. Their trials are set to begin Nov. 6.

Wolffe's attorney, Paul Garrity, said he plans to argue Wolffe does not pose a flight risk or a danger to the community.

Supporters warned

Yesterday's hearing drew a handful of the Browns' supporters to the courthouse. One wore a T-shirt saying, "I support Ed and Elaine Brown. Show me the law!"

Wolffe's wife also was there but declined to speak to reporters.

Monier would not say if future arrests are expected, though he said marshals are involved in a number of investigations.

While the Browns have drawn support from across the country, some relationships have ended bitterly after the Browns squabbled with bloggers, radio hosts and several spokesmen and assistants.

"Their support has begun to diminish by their actions and steps we have taken," Monier said.

Monier said federal agents have cut off the couple's telephone and utility service and stopped mail deliveries.

"We are going to take a slow, deliberate, methodical approach to convincing the Browns that they need to do the right thing and surrender," Monier said.

While he said "we are keeping all lines of communication open,' he would not say if one of his agents continues to maintain regular telephone contact with the Browns.

Monier said concern over "hazardous conditions" believed to exist at the Browns' property are another reason why supporters should stay away from their home.

He warned supporters and news media against attending a "Fall Freedom Fest" planned at the Browns' home tomorrow.

"I would strongly urge you not to go there," Monier said.

Like Riley, Gerhard and Gonzalez lived with the Browns at various times this year and allegedly bought firearms, brought firearms to the Browns' home and publicly announced they would forcibly resist U.S. marshals' efforts to arrest the couple, the indictments allege.

Gerhard also is accused of buying a M44 rifle, three Ruger rifles and a high-powered Serbu .50 rifle from New Hampshire firearms dealers and tried to have firearms accessories he bought from a Maryland dealer be delivered to the Browns' home.

He also is charged with accepting delivery of a Bushmaster rifle.

Brown, a retired exterminator, and his wife, Elaine, 66, a dentist, were found guilty in January of plotting to hide their income and avoid taxes on the $1.9 million Elaine Brown earned between 1996 and 2003.

The four arrests drew reaction from one Brown supporter, who said the action amounts to "tyranny."

"You have arrested four innocent men," Shaun Allen Kranish wrote on MakeTheStand.com.

"It appears to me that you're digging your graves even deeper," he added.

[webhick]

Arms seized from Brown ally's home
Two others arraigned in N.H. today

By Margot Sanger-Katz
Monitor staff
September 14. 2007 12:01AM

Marshals searching the property of an Ed and Elaine Brown supporter yesterday found a pipe bomb and other weapons, according to the Suffolk County, N.Y. police.

The weapons were discovered at the home of Jason Gerhard, 22, of Brookhaven, N.Y., one of four supporters of the tax-protesting couple who were arrested on Wednesday. Gerhard, who recently enlisted in the army, was arrested at the Missouri base where he was completing basic training. But a search warrant issued for his home on Long Island unearthed the bomb, the county police said. An Associated Press report yesterday said that a hand grenade and several rifles were also found on the property.

Of the four men arrested, Gerhard was charged with the most crimes: conspiracy to impede an officer of the United States, conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, accessory after the fact and five counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to his grand jury indictment, which was unsealed yesterday, Gerhard is accused of working with other Brown supporters to install surveillance systems on the property and of purchasing a number of firearms, including two .50-caliber rifles, weapons capable of piercing tanks and body armor, in addition to making statements supporting their threats against law enforcement figures. According to the U.S. marshal, three of those charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 25 years in prison.

The Browns were convicted of a series of tax-related crimes in January but have avoided prison by remaining holed up in their fortified Plainfield home and threatening violence if marshals attempt to arrest them. They have welcomed a number of visitors during the eight month standoff, and those supporters have included the four men arrested Wednesday.

"We hope that this sends a strong message to anyone who might want to help them," said Stephen Monier, the U.S. Marshal for New Hampshire during a press briefing yesterday.

Two arraigned

Two of the men arrested Wednesday appeared in New Hampshire's federal district court yesterday for their arraignments. Both Daniel Riley, 40, of Cohoes, N.Y., and Robert Wolffe, 50, of Randolph, Vt., pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

According to his indictment, Riley is accused of bringing weapons and fire extinguishers to the Browns' Plainfield home and installing motion-detector lights, and has been charged with conspiracy to prevent officers of the United States from discharging their duties, conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, accessory after the fact, and carrying and possessing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.

Riley spent time at the Brown home on several occasions and became famous among Brown supporters for his encounter with a surveillance team while walking the Browns' dog. Riley stumbled upon marshals near the driveway on a June morning and was Tasered and interrogated after trying to run away, he said. More recently, Riley has publicized the "Fall Freedom Fest" party and concert scheduled for tomorrow at the Browns' house, and organized a fundraiser for the couple. He and Shaun Kranish of Illinois have asked supporters to send donations through PayPal, checks or postal money orders. Kranish has not been arrested, but on the Browns' daily radio show yesterday, he said he wished he had been.

"Kind of a little surprised and a little disappointed they didn't pick me up as well," he said. "I guess I'm not worthy."

Wolffe's indictment alleges that he provided the Browns with a car, performed counter-surveillance on the marshals, was an armed guard of the property and used his home as a transfer point for supplies being sent to the couple. He was charged with accessory after the fact.

Both men are being held through the weekend and will return to court Monday for detention hearings. Wolffe's lawyer, Paul Garrity, asked the judge to consider holding his client's hearing sooner, asserting Wolffe was in "a different position" than the other defendants. Magistrate James Muirhead denied that request, saying that circumstances surrounding Wolffe's arrest suggested he might be a flight risk.

"When the marshals went to arrest him, he had a gun in every room," Muirhead said. "And when they went back, his wife had them all in the car and two packed suitcases."

On an internet radio show Wednesday night, a host advised Wolffe's wife to remove all the weapons from her house so that marshals couldn't seize them. Wolffe's wife, Valerie, attended his arraignment yesterday but said she did not wish to speak with reporters.

An e-mail that circulated on militia and "patriot" websites yesterday described Wolffe as the commander of the Vermont Militia. Wolffe's own website identifies him as a member of the Constitution Rangers, a national anti-government group that Ed Brown once led.

"The FEDS know that rules of engagement and have known since 1995," says the message, signed by "Sir David-Andrew, Brigade Commander." "If they arrest a militia commander, it will be consider an act of WAR. They have, once again crossed the line."

The other two

Gerhard and the fourth man, Cirino Gonzalez, of Alice, Texas, will be transported to New Hampshire soon, Monier said. John Spray, a supervisory deputy marshal in Missouri, where Gerhard was arrested, said yesterday that Gerhard had waived a transfer hearing.

Gonzalez was accused of conspiring to prevent marshals from arresting the Browns and purchasing another .50-caliber rifle in New Hampshire. The indictment charged him with conspiracy to prevent officers of the United States from discharging their duties, conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, accessory after the fact and carrying and possessing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.

Gonzalez's father, Jose Gonzalez, said yesterday that he was upset about the conduct of the marshals in arresting his son. According to Jose Gonzalez, marshals refused to produce an arrest or search warrant when they arrested his son and briefly detained his companion and brother, who were also at home. Gonzalez also said that marshals took all of the guns from the home, though few of them belonged to Cirino.

"I came home around 6 o'clock. All my guns were gone and my house was a mess; things were turned over, things were broken," Gonzalez said. "And my original feeling was, 'Oh my God, I've been robbed.' "

Cirino Gonzalez spent nearly four months living with the Browns, acting as their blogger and security officer. Gonzalez posted regular updates on the couple's condition online and boasted of weapons he had brought there, including the .50-caliber rifle. But he parted ways with the Browns shortly after Jose Gonzalez and one of his brothers came to join him at the house. On his MySpace page, Cirino Gonzalez said he'd been asked to leave.

Methodical approach

Monier did not say whether his office plans additional arrests, but he described this week's charges as part of a lengthy and methodical approach to the case. He repeated several times that people who help the Browns will face investigation, arrest and prosecution. He also indicated that Ed and Elaine Brown may also face new charges for threats they've made against law enforcement officials.

His statements marked a shift in tone, but he said his office's strategy has not changed. Monier said his office's objective is to persuade the Browns to surrender to authorities. Recent measures, like cutting utilities to the house, were designed to urge them along, though the Browns have not suffered much, thanks to solar generators and disposable cell phones.

Blog postings yesterday indicated that the planned party in Plainfield has not been cancelled. Advertisements said it would include live music, barbecue and games of horse shoes and bocce.

"Despite the fear tactics used, 9 out of 10 patriots continue to choose freedom over fear," reads a digital flier for the event posted yesterday.

But at his press briefing yesterday, Monier discouraged visitors from going to the Plainfield property. He confirmed reports that the Browns had placed dangerous devices on their land.

"Don't go there," he said. "We are aware there are hazardous conditions on the property."

By MARGOT SANGER-KATZ

Wolffe's wife is a moron.

Did Reno live with his Dad?

[The Observer]

"The FEDS know that rules of engagement and have known since 1995," says the message, signed by "Sir David-Andrew, Brigade Commander." "If they arrest a militia commander, it will be consider an act of WAR. They have, once again crossed the line."

Since when do patriots take titles of nobility?

[Imalawman]

"The FEDS know that rules of engagement and have known since 1995," says the message, signed by "Sir David-Andrew, Brigade Commander." "If they arrest a militia commander, it will be consider an act of WAR. They have, once again crossed the line."

Since when do patriots take titles of nobility?

Whenever they feel like it. Just like when we were kids and playing in the back yard. Some days, the nobles are the bad guys, other days its cool to be a noble. Sometimes I envy the TP, so much child-like imagination. At times, always living in reality sucks.

[Demosthenes]

Wolffe's wife is a moron.

Yep.

Did Reno live with his Dad?

Yep. When he wasn't living at Camp Casey with Cindy Sheehan.

[Truthstalker]

Dezcad wrote:

rachel wrote:


Are you formally declaring your primary area of expertise?[
Nope!
Just pointing out your primary creditability.


What does someone's ability to get credit have to do with this thread?

I passed on that one. I was going to say we had a good Beacon score.

[Demosthenes]

Alex Jones interviews Elaine Brown.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 3765&hl=en

Elaine thinks the Marshals made the arrests because they see the situation as "big fun."

[silversopp]

These reports sure like to focus on the guns. If the guns were legally owned and registered, what's the problem with owning a gun? (Other than the ones bought for the Browns).

Seems like the media wants to give the impression that gun owners are naturally dangerous and crazy.

[grammarian44]

Elaine thinks the Marshals made the arrests because they see the situation as "big fun."

Big fun?

So when U.S. Marshals are dispatched to put the cuffs on individuals likely to have caches of weapons in their homes, and who have repeatedly declared their intention to use such weapons against representatives of the federal government, the process is going to be "fun"?

[webhick]

These reports sure like to focus on the guns. If the guns were legally owned and registered, what's the problem with owning a gun? (Other than the ones bought for the Browns).

Seems like the media wants to give the impression that gun owners are naturally dangerous and crazy.

Actually, I got the impression that the "gun in every home" schtick was more to demonstrate that these people may have been planning something bad (not that everyone who owns that many guns is evil and dangerous).

Who needs that much artillery? Although its a little extreme for my tastes, I can understand having a handgun in every room for protection...but is there really a reason to have weapons that can pierce tanks and body armor? Are the wildlife sporting kevlar? Do they suspect that Bambi's mom is gonna invade with a tank? Is the chihuahua next door really deserving of a pipe bomb (well maybe...yeah...no, that would be bad)?

Edit: Grammar screwy. Blaming onion bagel set on permanent repeat.

[webhick]

Isn't Reno's brother a cop? How is all this illegal ammo in the family going to reflect on him and his career?

[.]

At this point, these four idiots have all spent more time in the jug than has Ed, and that will probably continue to remain the case.

[Agent Observer]

Webhick wrote -

Do they suspect that Bambi's mom is gonna invade with a tank?

That comment was a hoot. Perhaps it's because bow (hunting) season starts tomorrow where I'm from and that's the mindset I'm in.

[Quixote]

"The FEDS know that rules of engagement and have known since 1995," says the message, signed by "Sir David-Andrew, Brigade Commander." "If they arrest a militia commander, it will be consider an act of WAR. They have, once again crossed the line."

And so begins the War on Blowhards.

[Nikki]

Arms seized from Brown ally's home
Two others arraigned in N.H. today
By Margot Sanger-Katz

...

"The FEDS know that rules of engagement and have known since 1995," says the message, signed by "Sir David-Andrew, Brigade Commander." "If they arrest a militia commander, it will be consider an act of WAR. They have, once again crossed the line."

...

Choose one of the following options:

Declare war
- Go to Jail; go directly to Jail; do not pass Go, etc
- Spend a long time in Jail awaiting processing under the terms of the Patriot Act (Rolling doubles won't help with this one)

Make war
- Find out, first-hand, what the business end of a .50 caliber looks and feels like.

[RyanMcC]

And so begins the War on Blowhards.

Bill O'Reily, Lou Dobbs, Chris Matthews, Tucker Carlson, and other unnamed television pundits have been arrested by US Marshalls today. These arrests are the second round in a series of arrests relating to the US Government's 'War on Blowhards'. Charges range from disturbing the peace to being a public nusance.

Bill O'Reily could be overheard blaming the liberal media and mumbling about a vast left wing conspiracy. Tucker Carlson was found trying to hang himself with his bowtie. Chris Matthews was still conducting an interview with his guest seemingly unaware of what was going on. Lou Dobbs blamed illegal immigration and CAFTA for the whole mess.

[Truthstalker]

It probably won't be long before Peter Jennings does a face-to-face interview with the Browns.

[wserra]

If the guns were legally owned and registered, what's the problem with owning a gun?

Nitric acid, sulfuric acid and glycerine are all perfectly legal to possess. So there's no problem if these wingnuts were found to have quantities of those substances in their basements, right? And it shouldn't concern a judge charged with setting their bail, should it? How about if they had beakers and ice baths too?

Context is everything.

[The Operative]

Presented for everyone's amusement.

Fort Fairfield Journal article on arrests

[Demosthenes]

Listening to the archive of today's rasdio show. Elaine is very upset because someone stole the cardboard sign at the bottom of the driveway that told people about the 9/15 concert. She wanted to make it very clear that stealing such signs would be theft and criminal trespass.