November 15, 2016, 6:39 pm

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom November 15, 2016

Burns Chronicles No 40 Allen Varner (Wolf)

When I wrote “What is Brandon Curtiss?“, I had nothing but gratitude for Wolf. He had stepped up when I was faced with Brandon Curtiss and his goons. His involvement allowed me to continue packing in order to leave Burns. The above picture was taken during this event.

There were some unanswered questions from an earlier incident. When the shootout occurred at Camp Lone Star, back on August 29, 2014, Varner was with Kevin “KC” Massey and John Foerster, on the Texas Border near Brownsville, when a Border Patrol (BP) Agent fired in the direction of Foerster. (See “The Arrest of K. C. Massey“.) Now questions arose as to Foerster’s role, but Varner appeared to be without sin. Varner, however, was the first to offer his pistol, in his belt under his shirt, to the BP agent, which led to Massey then turning his pistol over to BP. In hindsight, there were other questionable actions by Varner, though unrelated to the topic at hand.

Varner was quite cooperative in my interview with him and provided some information that only he had, which indicated that much of what BP did, out of sight of Massey, was not consistent with the testimony they offered in court. This could be interpreted as an attempt to ingratiate himself to Massey and myself.

According to Massey, Varner left Camp Lone Star within a couple of days of the shooting. He did not return until two days before Massey’s arrest. Was he there to report when Massey was going to spend the night in the motel room? Only someone at Camp Lone Star would have that information. At that critical time, Varner was at Camp Lone Star.

Now, often people have suspicion that someone could be an informant. I may have reason to believe someone is an informant. However, I will not write that someone is an informant unless I can prove that someone is an informant. So, ironically, the person that helped me while I was in Burns is, well, an informant.

Let’s get to the heart of the matter. To do so, I will be referring to FBI documents that I have obtained. They are marked, at the bottom left corner, “Dissemination Limited by Court Order”. So, let me make this perfectly clear — I have no intention of “disseminating” the documents, nor am I bound by any “Court Order”. I am writing about a Public Trial, which was held in September and October 2016. Had I access to these documents during that trial, I would have written the same article that I am writing now.

A Public Trial, as intended by the Founders, was guaranteed so that we could judge both the alleged crimes of the accused and the role of the government. This article, and subsequent articles on the subject of informants, is about the role of the government.

Informants are nothing less than spies, albeit, they are not spies set against foreign enemies or other countries. No, they are spies sent by the agents of the government to act against their own people. Whether they are paid, as was the case explained in my article “Terri Linnell (Mama Bear)“, to avoid prosecution for a crime they may have committed, or simply because they disagree with the politics of whomever they are informing against, they are nothing less than those contemptible creatures who, in most situations, face death if caught practicing their trade. The only exception would be when they realize that they are on the wrong side, and willingly change to the right side. This is addressed in another article, “Informants – What to do About Them“.

Using form “FD-1023”, also known as “CHS Reporting Document”, agents assigned to an informant provides information, based upon their communication, face to face, via text or email, by phone, or even secret messages, to place this information into the record.

Unfortunately, some of the records I have obtained are so severely redacted that nothing but the pre-printed form information is visible. However, often what the informant reported can be compared to information obtained in speaking with victims of the informant, or the information reported may become available in other public forums.

Often, such information is “exculpatory” in nature, meaning that it tends to provide evidence that the accused may not be guilty of the crime with which he has been charged. So, I will provide some of the text from the reports and offer a perspective regarding both aspects. The entire body of information will not be provided in this article. A sampling should be sufficient to provide the reader with understanding of just how these spies operate, and how they may set their own trap. The spies will identify themselves as “CHS” (Confidential Human Source).

We will begin with January 4, 2016, two days after the occupation of the Refuge and the first identifiable report from Varner.

There are 25-30 people on the property to include 5 women who are assisting in

cooking, etc. Most individuals are carrying side arms and CHS has not seen any Iongrifles, but knows they are there. CHS has not yet seen any explosives and one militia member is in the watch tower approximately 100 feet in the air. The militia will be conducting patrols at night. CHS will obtain license plates later this evening and saw one militia member driving a white 4X4 truck bearing US Government plate number I487752 presumed to belong to the refuge. The militia is expecting the FBI to arrive and know that they are being called trespassers and not domestic terrorists.

CHS observed the following vehicles:

[Note: first two vehicle descriptions and plate #s not included for the privacy of the owners]:

3) Jason Patrick, White Male, mid 40’s, 5’10″, 230 lbs, beard, mustache, seen driving the white 4X4 truck bearing US Government plate I487752.

So, we can see that this informant, along with others, provided a snapshot, updated frequently, of what was going on and who was present at the Refuge.

The next day, January 5:

Ammon Bundy, Brian Cavalier (Booda), Jason Patrick, Ryan Bundy, Ryan Payne, Blaine Cooper and Jon Ritzheimer are all staying in the main building up front. Pecking order CHS based on behavior observed is 1. Ammon Bundy 2. Ryan Payne and Jason Patrick 3. Brian Cavalier (Booda) and 4. Jon Ritzheimer. Booda is in charge of security. Ammon Bundy will more than likely speak with negotiators.

CHS is in not staying in the front building and has not yet observed any formal plans. However, CHS is told the plan is to stay and wait for the FBI to make contact. They know the FBI will say they are trespassing, but believe it is B.S. as they do not recognize the land belonging to the federal government. They do not know what the FBI is thinking. By the FBI not taking any action, it has made militia members nervous/scared about the unknown. The militia does not know who will be arrested or exactly what plan of action will be taken when the FBI does make contact. CHS described the atmosphere as nervous, filled with anticipation and confusion if something were to happen. Some people are sleeping and they sleep in shifts.

No alcohol has been observed and approximately six people have been seen carrying side arms and long guns being .308 or 5.56 calibers on an AR platform. CH$ has been looking for explosives and has not observed any. The militia does have access to propane and fuel from the refuge itself. Patrols are being conducted and there is a person in the watch tower 24/7 with a long rifle and radio. There is a shift change in the watch tower at 3 a.m. CHS has not yet seen other set schedules at this time. CHS has asked about night vision equipment and the response received is that no night vision equipment is on site.

The following vehicle was observed on the property. 1999 Black GMC Truck bearing [state] plate # nnnnnn

The militia’s main objective is to have the property administered by the federal government returned to the people (States/counties). The second objective is to win the support of the American public to create the power needed to accomplish the first objective. At this point, everyone is united with these objectives. The militia believe they are currently winning by gaining support of the American public as well as the locals. They feel more empowered since the local are coming by and delivering supplies and the FBI has not yet reached out to the militia.

If the public demands they leave, CHS doesn’t think the militia will leave until additional pressure is placed upon them. CHS did not know what that pressure would be, but just asking the militia to leave will not work. If the FBI continues to do nothing, the militia will just gain more people on site and more power until the FBI is forced to react. None of the core leaders have made life ending preparations at this point, but Ammon Bundy and Ryan Payne have stated they would take a bullet if needed. Jon Ritzheimer stated he would go to jail, but appears very nervous and really does not want to serve any jail time. Militia members for the most part are just wondering around waiting for something to happen.

So, you can see that the FBI had a fairly decent picture of what was going on in the Refuge. You can also see what the intended (perhaps exculpatory) purpose of the occupation was, as well as the “state of mind” of the principal players. This was of importance during the trial, so we can understand why the government did not want the Defense to be able to identity and therefore call these people as witnesses.

CHS attended an administrative meeting today at 1:00 p.m. It was decided that three separate militia units will be created and led by Ryan Payne, Jon Ritzheimer and CHS. There are five people assigned to each militia unit leader and they are to conduct security patrols and other missions as requested by the “administration”

.The three militia units will grow in size as more people arrive in support of the overall mission. All current fifteen members of the militia units intend to stay for the completion of the occupation…

Now, here is one of the little pieces used to deduce who the informant is. He is one of three militia group leaders. However, if we know (and we do) that Ryan Payne, Jon Ritzheimer, and Allen Varner were those three militia leaders, then we also know who “CHS” is.

CHS goes on to rank the principal players:

A ranking by the CHS of the most dangerous members on a scale of 1 to 10, ten being the most dangerous, included the following: Booda 9, Ritzheimer 8, Payne, Ammon Bundy 8 or 9, Ryan Bundy 8 or 9, Robert Finicum would most likely back down.

Rather interesting that he identified Robert (LaVoy) Finicum as most likely to back down. In the January 6 report, we find more information, some tending to be exculpatory.

At least seven different vehicles driven by locals dropped by today to show support and deliver supplies to include, elk meat, steaks, hamburger meat, blankets, hand warmers, etc. The front porch of the bunkhouse used for cooking

is now filled with food and supplies. One local stated he would be back again next week to drop off more supplies.CHS and others have been told to use the refuge’s fuel stored in large tanks for their personal use.

A… “Committee of Safety” held a long meeting with the Bundy’s today. [They were] to show their support for the refuge takeover. They were also going to explain at the meeting that the militia at the refuge were not “crazy gun toting people” as portrayed by some of the media.

An individual named McConnell claiming to be the leader of the Three Percenters Militia in Arizona showed up at the refuge last night or early this morning. The individual is physically fit, mid 40’s, 6’ in height, blonde hair, blonde mustache, driving a brown colored jeep. McConnell also claims to be a Marine and/or Navy Seal. CHS considered McConnell as strength for the militia at the refuge. CHS could not describe any weaknesses the militia has at this time. If anything, the militia continues to gain strength in morale because the locals continue to come by to show support and deliver supplies.

CHS described the atmosphere as calm and relaxed but still expecting something to happen. Patrols were done every four hours, people have been sleeping and milling around like a normal day.

In the January 7 report, we have another clue that helps to identify the CHS, along with other information.

As of this morning, there were approximately 35-40 people at the refuge. So many people have arrived that the new arrivals are sleeping on the floor and not in bunks. They are expecting a lot more people to show up today. “Will” is from the Seattle area and driving a Nissan X-Terra bearing Washington Marine Corps plate number nnnnnn. Will is the one who brought in the night vision equipment and it appears to be a night vision spotting scope. Will also brought with him a 300 Win Mag rifle. CHS also observed the following license plates: Nevada tag nnnnnn on a Ford F-150, Arizona tag nnnnnn on McConnell’s vehicle.

Last night at approximately 8:30 p.m., Louie Prepper at two others came over from their camp across the street and requested entry into the refuge and to speak with Robert LaVoy Finicum. CHS refused to allow them in resulting in a physical altercation. CHS was struck in the face and cut by Prepper and “Fat boy” (CHS’ description) from Colorado broke the mirror on CHS’ vehicle. CHS got up and kicked Fatboy in the groin causing severe pain to Fatboy. Pete Santilli told CHS to stand down and Prepper and the two others entered to refuge to encounter Blaine Cooper. Cooper got into a physical altercation with Prepper and the two others. Fatboy claimed Cooper broke his nose and was going to file a complaint and they left the refuge.

The ATV was used this morning to take supplies to the watchtower allowing for guards to stay in the tower for long periods of time. Two guys mainly occupy the watch tower which CHS has not yet met.

CHS has observed one 300 WIN Mag rifle, two SKS rifles, three AK-47’s, one 12 GA pump action riot shotgun and quite a few AR-15’s (5.56). Most are mainly

carrying side arms and one female is carrying a sidearm.

Patrols continue every four hours and are conducted by 4-5 people in vehicles. Patrol routes around the refuge are not set, more like people driving around in vehicles. People do remain at the front and back gates. Patrols are not done on foot because of the snow. Most active use of communication is via supplied radios, but cellular telephones are also being used.

CHS has not heard any rumors about kidnapping a federal agent. Atmosphere remains relaxed.

A Washington Three Percenter Militia member named Darrel is currently assigned in the watch tower. There is now a flare gun in the tower that will be discharged to warn everyone within the refuge of incoming law enforcement raids. CHS observed the night vision equipment brought in last night and it appears to be mountable on a rifle. The militia still fails to have any grasp on organization.

Currently, Patrick is attempting to create a list of shifts and assignments for members within the refuge. The three militia units previously created and led by Payne, Ritzheimer and CHS are still in play, but have not yet been assigned to complete any tasks.

CHS observed California license plate number nnnnnn on a dark blue Chevy Blazer. There are roughly 40-45 people within the refuge. The atmosphere remains relaxed and still waiting for something to happen.

You can see that the FBI had status reports that gave them a day-to-day update on the situation at the Refuge. We also see that Varner was still in charge of one of the militia groups. However, another confirmation of his identity is found when he described the broken mirror incident. In an interview with Varner, he said that he swung his fist to hit Louie (Lewis Arthur), hit the mirror instead, and hurt his hand.

We will skip the January 8 report, and since there were are no identifiable reports for January 9 and 10, go to January 11.

CHS provided two inert grenades taken from the refuge, a notebook recovered from the ground and showed case agent the hand held radio taken fromRitzheimer. People using cell phones are using the Zello walkie-talkie App to communicate. The notebook had several pages removed and contains limited to no useful information (see attached photographs).

The extra support has again made the administration and supporters feel as if they are winning.

The leadership was 1. Ammon and Ryan Bundy, 2. Jason Patrick, 3. Ryan Payne, 4. Ritzhiemer. Ammon and Ryan Bundy, LaVoy Finicum, and Payne remain as the administration of the refuge. Finicum was the self proclaimed media representative.

They group is calling themselves the “Citizens of Constitutional America” and not a militia. The administration is adamant that they do not call themselves a militia.

They have not constructed any defensive structures or positions such as rifle pits,

sand bag cover, etc. The militia will more than likely use the heavy machinery on site for cover and have positioned some of this equipment at the entrances to the refuge. The patrol routes remain random around the perimeter and consist of individuals driving around in vehicles.

The interviewing agents showed the CHS an aerial photograph of the refuge complex with the buildings numbered. CHS described the use of the buildings as follows:

Building 19 – Fire Bunkhouse – CHS described this building as having 8 bedrooms, one bedroom has 4 bunks, the remaining rooms have two bunks each¯ All bunks were full.

Building 15 – Payne and Riztheimer were staying in the two small houses across the street from the firehouse

(building 19) . These houses have an exterior bathroom nearby¯ Building 18 – Warehouse

Building 11 – Warehouse/garage with lots of equipment Building 17 or 16 -Generator building

Building 1 – Admin buildings were meetings are conducted

Building 6 – The two Bundy brothers and Finicum’s sleeping quarters

The third clue as to the identity of the source of these reports is related to the “hand-held radio”. Ritzheimer said that he gave it to Varner. In an interview with Varner, when asked directly about the radio, he said that Jon was in his truck with Blaine Cooper and he saw the radio sitting on the seat between them, but it was never given to him. However, at shift change the next morning, the new guard contacted Jon to say that he had no radio with which to communicate. It appears that Varner simply showed the radio to his handler, and then kept it for himself.

Two more identifiable reports were filed on January 15 and 16. They continued updating with regard to the status, positions, state of mind, etc., of those inside the Refuge. So, we can see that from this one source, a lot of information, some accurate, some not so accurate, was made available to the FBI. On top of this, understand that there were eight other informants reporting from inside the Refuge. There were also six additional informants in communication with the occupiers via telephone. Those occupiers inside believed that they were talking to outside “friendlies”, and managed to provide quite a bit of useful information to those informants. This topic will be addressed in a subsequent article.

In all fairness to Varner, I called him after I had finished the article. I read him the statements about the three militia groups, the encounter with Lewis Arthur, and the report where he showed the radio he got from Ritzheimer to the case agent. He stated that somebody lied — that it was bullshit. He concluded with, “I ain’t no informant or agent”.

November 16, 2016, 6:51 pm

Burns Chronicles No 41

Dennis Dickenson (Dennis Jones)

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom October 16, 2016

On October 11, 2015, the initial Operation Mutual Defense (OMD) Advisory Board (AB) held their first meeting. Each meeting had an agenda and the AB members agreed to record the telephonic meetings, for the record. The recordings were then place in a Dropbox folder, accessible only to the AB members. There was also a private mail-list group set up, again restricted only to AB members.

The AB was comprised of five members. The only member that was known only by one other member, Ryan Payne, was a retired military officer named Dennis Roy Dickenson. Dickenson had endeared himself to Ryan when he was going to fly up to Montana on April 10, 2014. The meeting never occurred, as Ryan had left for the Bundy Ranch on April 7.

Mr. Dickenson had provided his DD-214, as was required of all members of the AB who claimed prior military service. Of his 21 years of service he was in “intelligence” for over 19 years, and left the service, honorably, as a Marine Lt. Colonel.

Under the agreement of all of the SB members, I had set up the Dropbox account and the mail-list group. The Dropbox is rather simple where only designated people have access and large files can be transferred up and down in the background. The mail-list group access panel is limited to designated individuals.

Dickenson volunteered to be secretary to the AB, and was designated, just in case I was inaccessible, to have access to the webpage and the mail list group. He was given the access passwords.

We held weekly meetings and special meetings, when necessary. In every case, agendas and recordings were made available to all members of the AB. In the first recorded meeting, on October 11, 2015, Dickenson, when asked about minutes of meetings, stated that since we had the recordings, he saw that there was no need for written minutes.

However, as we shall see, Dickenson did make minutes of the meetings, and promptly turned them over to FBI Special Agent Mark D. Seyler, as well as recordings, emails, and other information regarding Dickenson’s vocation as a spy.

Drafted By: Mark D. Seyler Case ID: xxxx

Collected From: xxxx Receipt Given?: No

Holding Office: SALT LAKE CITY

Details:

As noted in several FD-1023 CHS reports, since October 1, 2015, xxxx has provided the case Agent with several files associated with the Operation Mutual Defense(OMD) Advisory Board. These files have been transferred between OMD Advisory Board members via email as well as a shared Dropbox.com account. On November 7, 2015, the case Agent saved several of these documents to a single DVD for storage as evidence in the captioned case file. Included on this DVD are recordings of OMD Advisory Board meetings from October 11 to November 5, 2015, meeting agendas, task lists, and other documents.

Item Type Description

18 Digital DVD Containing OMD Advisory Board files provided by CHS Collected On: 11/07/2015

Seizing Individual: Mark D. Seyler Located By: Mark D. Seyler Location Area: Shared E-Mail Acct

Specific Location: Shared E-Mail Acct Device Type: Compact Disc/Digital Video Disc(CDs/DVDs)

Number of Devices Collected: 1

In hindsight, reviewing the recordings from that first meeting, Dickenson, when someone mentioned “we”, or any indication that something someone was talking about implied other participants, he always asked who the other participants were. He also sought detail on every subject, in every meeting. Now, this could be attributed to a desire to fully participate, and it could be a desire to gain information.

The FBI uses form “FD-1023”, also known as “CHS Reporting Document”, for agents assigned to an informant to provide information, based upon their communication, face to face, via text or email, by phone, or even secret messages, to be placed into the record. “CHS”, of course, refers to “Confidential Human Source”. The following information is from those 1023 forms. They are marked, at the bottom left corner, “Dissemination Limited by Court Order”. So, let me make this perfectly clear — I have no intention of “disseminating” the documents, nor am I bound by any “Court Order”. I am writing about a Public Trial, which was held in September and October 2016. Had I access to these documents during that trial, I would have written the same article that I am writing now.

A Public Trial, as intended by the Founders, was guaranteed so that we could judge both the alleged crimes of the accused and the role of the government. This article, and subsequent articles on the subject of informants, is about the role of the government.

Given the background, above, we can clearly see that the government has no intention of spying on the people that created that government. This reeks of George Orwell’s “1984”, to the greatest degree possible. The government had no reason to believe that OMD or the AB had any intention of doing anything illegal. The purpose of OMD was to evaluate situations, and if the situation had merit, as determined by the AB, then a call out would be made to the followers of OMD. If any illegal activity was discussed, it was discussed only to the extent of whether something would be illegal, or not. However a call out would be consistent with the rights preserved by the First Amendment; Speech, Assembly, and Redress of Grievances. In some of the matters brought before the AB it was determined that there was no lawful standing to pursue a situation, ending discussion on that matter.

.

Recorded meetings were held on October 11, 18, 25, and November 1, 2015. With the exception of the above, we find the first written 1023 report dated November 3, 2015. It deals with separate phone calls with AB members. The first mention in the 1023s of the Hammonds was based upon a call with Ryan Payne:

CHS has been communicating regularly with Ryan Payne. Payne submitted background checks for he and Hunt, and is awaiting the results.

Payne is very upset by the plight of Steve and Dwight Hammond in Oregon. They have apparently decided to accept the 5-year sentence imposed by the government and go to prison peacefully. Payne has contemplated interfering with their going to prison even though the Hammonds have not requested OMD’s assistance. Ammon Bundy recently forwarded Payne a press release from the Bundy Family in support of the Hammonds, warning of repercussions to the federal government if the Hammonds are imprisoned.

The background checks were approved by the AB as a requisite prior to acceptance on the board. Dickenson’s background check was also provided to the AB.

Later, that same day, another 1023 is filed regarding a subsequent conversation with Ryan Payne:

Ryan Payne is traveling to Oregon on the morning of November 4, 2015, with Ammon Bundy to meet with the Hammond family regarding the father and son’s

intent to surrender themselves to federal authorities and prison. Payne said the driving force behind this trip is Cliven Bundy, who has been asking Payne for months when he intends to start another militia action to confront the government. Earlier in the day, Ammon Bundy sent Payne an email with a press release from the Bundy Family in support of the Hammonds. Payne believes Cliven told Ammon to go along with Payne to see if they can convince the Hammonds to take a stand.

On November 5, 2015, we get to the reports of the meetings, the “minutes” that Dickenson did not want to write for the OMD-AB, but was more than willing to write for the FBI, It begins with:

A Confidential Human Source (CHS), much of whose reporting has been corroborated, provided the following information:

At approximately 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time, on Thursday, November 5, 2015, the Advisory board for Operation Mutual Defense held a meeting via conference call. Initially participating in this meeting were Tim “Nailer” Foley, Dennis Jones, Gary Hunt, and Jon Ritzheimer.

Note that “Dennis Jones” is participating in the meeting. However, there was no Dennis Jones, only Dennis Dickenson. This is a lie to the FBI, and is consistent throughout the reports.

In other 1023 reports, if the CHS is involved, they would report that “Initially participating in this meeting were Tim “Nailer” Foley, CHS, Gary Hunt, and Jon Ritzheimer.” So, apparently, and informants can lie, so long as he is working for the FBI. And, in reviewing the recordings with the 1023 reports, there are many instances of Dickenson either lying outright, or twisting the truth to a point that is appears to be opposite of what really transpired.

Regarding the Hammonds, in that same meeting:

Payne described how he and Ammon met with Steve Hammond and Susan Hammond (Steve’s mother), but did not talk to Dwight Hammond (Steve’s father). [Steve] believes the government wants to take the Hammond’s land, and will do what it takes to get it. Steve Hammond doesn’t appear to talk with anyone about the matter, and appeared perturbed when Ammon showed up on Steve’s doorstep. Ammon helped around the ranch while talking with Steve, and it is Ammon’s opinion is that Steve is broken down to point where he doesn’t want to fight anymore. He and his father appear to be at peace with submitting themselves to imprisonment.

At this point, it looks like there is not going to be a request from the Hammonds for OMD support. Susan Hammond is very familiar with the issues and injustices her family is facing and if anyone could convince her husband and son to take a stand, it would be her. The Hammonds are going to discuss Payne and Ammon’s offer of help, and Susan will contact Payne to let him know. According to Payne, Ammon is very clear that for the Bundy family, it doesn’t matter whether the Hammonds request or desire assistance, they have a responsibility to stand up for them.

After much discussion, the OMD board voted that OMD should act if the Hammonds give any kind of approval for militia-related assistance or at least agree to not turn themselves in. If the Hammonds decline any offer of support, the majority of the board voted not to stage an action. Hunt expressed concern that OMD could suffer great embarrassment if they were asked to leave by the Hammonds.

Payne claims the Bundy family intends to act regardless of the Hammond’s decision, but he doesn’t know what they will do. He discussed the plan where the Bundy’s could purchase the Hammond’s grazing allotments, and light fire to them. Ammon said he would be willing to do this if he had protection (presumably from a militia group like OMD).

So, peaceful plans are still being considered. There was the possibility of something that might force a confrontation, if the Hammonds agreed to ask for help. However, Dickenson, in his parenthetical, make OMD a “militia group”. It had been made clear from the beginning that OMD was like a Committee of Correspondence. That is was NOT a “militia group”. However, he wants to suggest a different purpose – a form of demonization of the organization that he is a part of.

Interestingly, in this meeting, a discussion of what AB would do, under three different situations, ensued. It was broken down to “three doors”. Door #1 is would AB act if the Hammonds agreed to allow OMD to be called out in support of them. The votes was unanimous, “yes”.

Door #2 was would the AB consider a call out of the Hammonds would not express support, but would not come out in disagreement with a call out. Again, it was a unanimous vote of “yes”.

Door #3 was whether the AB would call out through OMD if the Hammonds were opposed to any action in support of keeping them from going to prison. The vote was three for not becoming involved and two were for involvement. Those two were Ryan Payne and Dennis Dickenson. Was Dickenson’s vote an effort to encourage such activity? It was not addressed, at all, in the written report.

Another matter that he did not mention though the AB found it both interesting and disconcerting, was the fact that Ryan reported that Brandon Curtiss had agreed to work with the Sheriff, to help the Hammonds or support the federal government, whatever the Sheriff decided to do. I had previously link that report on the Brandon Curtiss article, though it can be listened to HERE

As we continue through the documents, Dickenson reports every detail of any possible action. Basically, he provided the minutes that he declined to prepare for the OMD-AB. He has 20 known and more possible reports. Those 20 constitute 41 pages of the 230 pages of 1023 reports. He is, perhaps, the most prolific writer of the informants.

Many of his reports are outside of the meetings and are based upon phone calls with members of the AB. Many of those calls were to or from AB members at the Refuge.

On two occasions, once before the occupation of the Refuge and once during the occupation, Dickenson says that he will travel from Florida to meet AB members, though

when the time gets near for his trip, his wife has some medical procedures that forestall the trip.

It seems rather strange that someone who took an oath to the Constitution, and served over twenty years under that oath, would turn against the Constitution and spy, for his government, on its own people.

November 20, 2016, 7:21 pm

Burns Chronicles No 42

Fabio Minoggio (John Killman)

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom November 20, 2016

“John Killman”

For the sake of this article, I will use the name that those at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR) knew him by, John Killman. However, his real name is Fabio Minoggio, from Switzerland, and currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada, or northwestern Arizona.

There is little information in his Fabio Minoggio Facebook page, though it appears that he was born in Pallanza, Italy. He claims to still live in Locarno, Switzerland. He may have been born January 1, 1971, as implied by a date shown on the John Killman Facebook page.

At this point, we only have what he said to the defense attorneys, when asked why he went to the refuge. He told them, “I am in this because of my love of gun safety,” according to the lawyers’ notes. He also said he didn’t want to miss a “moment in history.*” This claim doesn’t bear fruit, since, while on the witness stand, in response to a question about expenses, he said “I was going into harm’s way, so I had to buy ballistic vests”. From whom did he sense a threat?

The Prosecution has refused to identify him as an informant. The judge then told the FBI that if he lied on the stand, they had an obligation to point out any such lies.

Whether he contacted the FBI and volunteered, or was contacted by the FBI, we may never know. I have tried calling Minoggio, but he “is not accepting calls at this time”, in a recorded message at the number that was initially used to contact him to testify.

How he was found and subpoenaed to testify is another interesting aspect of this story. After Jeff Banta testified about a guy with a French accent had come to the Refuge and started training people in various military activity, such as team combat, team movements as a group, evacuating friendlies from a car, hand-to-hand combat, and firearms safety.

He had that French accent and was sort of an anomaly, compared to the others who had come to the Refuge.

This began raising questions. The government, in discovery, had provided 129 “CHS Reporting Document” reports, constituting 230 pages, though they were so heavily redacted that there was no way to identify, without a bit of sleuthing, just who the informant making the reports were. However, among those who had met “Killman”, someone had obtained his phone number.

At this point, Neil Wampler’s attorney, Lisa Maxfield and Shawna Cox’s standby attorney, Tiffany Harris, began pursuing an intensive search for the illusive John Killman. A reverse look-up of the phone number showed the phone registered to Fabio Minoggio. Once others confirmed that Minoggio’s Facebook picture (above) was Killman, it was a matter of finding him and getting him on the stand, having no idea what his testimony might be. It was a long shot, but having ferreted out an informant just might be sufficient to persuade the jury that things were not just as the Prosecution had claimed.

What made the effort worthwhile is the fact that the Prosecution had already shown a short video Burns-Pieter_video_2016-01-24–16-31-39.mp4 at least four times, during their presentation to the jury. That video, though only 29 seconds long, was, in the eyes of the jury, suggestive of the violent intent of the occupiers. If the video could be considered in the proper light, perhaps that would be a major point of consideration by the jury.

.

According to the date/time stamp on the copy that I have obtained, the video was shot on January 24, 2016, at 4:31 pm, though that may be Central Time.

A subpoena was issued and served. Minoggio contacted the attorney identified on the subpoena and stated that he didn’t know anything about why they wanted to have him testify.

On Friday, Oct. 14, Maxfield received a voice mail.

“I don’t know who this Mr. Wampler is,” the caller with the foreign accent told her, elongating the name so it sounded like “Woompler.” He also mentioned getting a subpoena “about some kind of Burns thing.”

The caller identified himself as “Samuel” and said he was in Arizona. He couldn’t just leave his life and drive to Portland, he said. “I don’t even know what this is all

about,” he added. *

The Defense’s case was to close on the 17th, so a scramble began to arrange to get Minoggio to Portland in time to testify.

* – Maxine Bernstein’s article, “Who was John Killman“, published on November 5, 2016 at oregonlive.com.

Testimony

The Court had provided an attorney on Minoggio’s behalf, and he was advised of his rights. He chose not to stand on the Fifth Amendment, so he took the stand. Some portions of that testimony follow.

Tiffany Harris examining:

Q. Mr. Minoggio, did you go to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on January 23rd, 2016?

A. Yes, ma’am.

Q. Were you present at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge each day between January 23rd and January 26th of 2016?

A. That’s Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday; right.

Q. Well, it’s three consecutive days?

A. Yes, ma’am.

Q. And was January 26th the last day that you were at the refuge?

A. I left when LaVoy Finicum was killed.

Q. When you were at the refuge, did you use the name John Killman?

A. Yes, ma’am.

Q. Did anyone at the refuge refer to you as Mr. Minoggio or Fabio or anything like that?

A. Negative.

Q. Between January 23rd and January 26th did you communicate with the government about events at the refuge

A. yes, ma’am.

Q. Were you paid for?

A. That I don’t want come across as splitting hairs, but paid is not the answer. Reimbursed to do that.

Q. You were reimbursed to do that?

A. Expenses to get there.

Q. Over and above your operating costs, did you receive any other form of compensation?

A. No. It happened that my truck broke down and I was going into harm’s way, so I had to buy ballistic vests, which increased the — the reimbursement substantially.

Q. Okay. But so your testimony today is that aside from expenses and costs that you incurred, you did not receive any other form of payment or income or remuneration from the government for your information?

A. No. It was freely given and — and I wasn’t enticed or anything. Then, AUSA Barrow, in cross-examination:

Q. Sir, you testified you were reimburse forward expenses did what were those expenses?

A. It was gas money for my old truck. I — I broke down with my — mudrock truck. I bought a ballistic vest because I was fully aware of what I’m doing, but it was a substantial risk to get harmed, so I invested into that, but also invested into food to stay there and so on and so on.

So, we really do not know if he received any additional payment, or not. We do know that he was there and reporting, and, that he had done some training. However, the Prosecution chose not to revisit that 29 seconds that they had relied so heavily on, earlier.

What is interesting about the testimony is that Judge Brown sustained most of the Defense objection while overruling some objections made by the Prosecution. Perhaps Judge Brown has finally recognized the deceitful nature of the government’s case.

CHS (1023) Reports

Now, let’s look at what information he did give to the government. Minoggio’s first report as a Confidential Human Source (CHS) was made on January 23, 2016. “XXXX” indicates pertinent redactions.

CHS arrived in Burns this evening. CHS observed a white pickup truck bearing a big III% sticker and an Arizona license plate. The truck traveled on A Street before stopping at a road block. The two occupants of the truck, one appearing to be John Ritzheimer, appeared to have a conversation with two Police Officers positioned in front of the courthouse.

At a gas station, the CHS had a conversation the attendant. The attendant stated many people in the town are happy, as this time a year most of the people in the town are without work. According to the attendant, there is plenty of work due in the town due to the occupation of the refuge. The attendant feels that as long as everyone is happy and no one gets killed, he is not opposed to the situation at the

refuge.

The CHS had a difficult time finding a hotel room. It seems that the towns people know that most of the hotel rooms are occupied by FBI agents and Police Officers. When the CHS found a hotel room, the hotel took cash payment for the room and did not ask for ID or the CHS’s license plate number.

After entering a local bar, the CHS struck up a conversation with four individuals who were wearing 5.11s, tactical wear, one point slings, and their shirts which bore US flags and molon labe stickers. One of the individuals stated his name is Joe. Joe is from Arizona and is involved in the patriot movement. The CHS asked Joe if he has gone to the refuge, but Joe said no. Joe said he and the other individuals have set up a medical station three miles away from the refuge, to be used in the case there is a shooting. XXXX Joe advised the CHS that Curtis is the commander of the Oregon III%ers.

At a local restaurant, the CHS spoke to two law enforcement officers. The officers said that they are from out of town and are just passing through. The CHS said the same.

So, we can see that he wanted to paint as complete a picture as possible, on all aspects, to the FBI.

His next report was on January 24, 2016.

Reporting from Oregon (First day at MNWR). First set of photographs from first day at MNWR attached.

BURNS:

This morning, while at the Safeway in Burns, a Safeway employee told the CHS that the town is full of Police and FBI. The Safeway employee pointed to two male individuals in the Safeway and identified them as law enforcement. The employee advised the CHS to stay away from the Horseshoe Inn because it is filled with law enforcement.

Each day when the women who are staying at the refuge go into town, they drive by the Horseshoe Inn and take pictures of the vehicles believed to be law enforcement, in order to track the law enforcement presence in Burns.

Payne is telling everyone that there are two FBI HRT teams at the location where they had confronted three FBI SWAT members days ago.

MEDICAL TENT, WATCH TOWER AND “SURPRISE ATTACK TEAM”:

While at the medical tent area inside the Narrows RV park near the refuge, the CHS met up with one of the individuals the CHS conversed with in Burns last night. This individual stated that he is part of “Trinity Tactical.”

At the refuge, CHS was able to climb up into the watchtower. CHS had a conversation with a young male individual who was on watch duty in the tower. This individual stated that he calls out over the radio every vehicle that enters the

refuge, including the license plate number. The individual then told the CHS that Joe O’Shaughnessy and the others at the medical tent area are there as a “surprise attack team.” xxxx

While in the tower, the CHS observed an SKS rifle and an old AR-15 rifle.

GUNS, RANGE AND BACKGROUND CHECK:

After arriving at the refuge, CHS was quickly accepted and was put on guard duty. CHS believes the easy acceptance was partly due to the CHS bring food to the refuge. The people at the refuge claim they have 250 to 600 supporters on the ground, but the CHS only counted a total of 50 at the refuge. According to the CHS, everyone at the refuge has a side arm. CHS observed several handguns including ten 1911s, GIocks, a Springfield, and a Taurus. CHS believes there are forty to fifty long guns at the refuge. However, people at the refuge are told to not carry them around, but to keep the rifles close. No large caliber long range rifles were observed by the CHS.

There is a shooting range located in an area northwest of the refuge. Payne is in charge of the range. Payne wants people at the refuge to shoot and conduct live- fire training at the range, so he can judge their shooting and tactical abilities.

Payne had intended to conduct a tactical training session in the morning, but soon after people started shooting at the range, the shooting had to be stopped after environmentalist protesters arrived at the main gate check point.

XXXX The background check was conducted by “Dwayne”, and mostly entailed name dropping of people in the patriot community and knowing someone who is already at the refuge, which the CHS does.

XXXX O’Shaughnessy advised that he is staying at the medical tent area near the refuge.

CHS did go to the shooting range area in the afternoon. Prior to the CHS arrive at the range, live fire training was taking place. During CHS’s time at the range, only dry fire tactical drills were conducted. Later, after leaving the range, CHS knows that more live fire drills took place because the gun shots could be heard. CHS estimates that 500 rounds of ammunition were shot at the range after CHS left.

Seventeen to eighteen people were at the range while CHS was there. The vast majority of the people on the range were between 20 and 30 years of age.

Four AR-15s were seen by the CHS at the secondary gate checkpoint for the refuge. CHS has not spent time at the primary gate checkpoint.

BLAINE AND MELISSA COOPER:

CHS met Blaine and Melissa Cooper at the refuge, as well as their two children, who stay in the kitchen area of the refuge at all times. CHS also met “Wakkeem” who identified himself as the individual who liberated Blaine’s and Melissa’s children. CHS stated there are a total of six to ten children currently at the refuge.

FUTURE PLANS:

The people at the refuge claim they have 250 to 600 supporters on the ground, but the CHS only counted a total of 50 at the refuge.

People at the refuge are discussing taking over two more ranches, which include two million acres of land. The goal is to eventually have 500 ranchers sign a new Declaration of Independence.

“ATTACK“:

There is an overall feeling of paranoia and nervousness at the refuge. There is purported reliable intelligence that leads the refuge occupants to believe that at any time, two hundred law enforcement officers will “attack” the refuge from the north, from over the lake.

TACTICAL TEAMS:

Five four man tactical teams have been established, named alpha through echo. Each team has a leader and there is also an overseeing individual for all five teams. There is a media group and then the Bundy’s have a headquarters area in one of the buildings at the refuge.

“SNIPER TEAM”:

Dwayne LNU, the individual who conducted CHS’s background check is tell people that he spotted a sniper team, dressed in military-style clothing, between the refuge and the lake located to the north of the refuge. Moreover, Dwayne LNU stated that his horse is trained to detect sniper teams.

RITZHEIMER:

Ritzheimer left the refuge today at 3:00 pm and will be traveling to Arizona to spend a week and a half with his family.

EXPLOSIVES:

The refuge occupants have taken flares that they found at the refuge and have attached them to propane tanks. The plan is to shoot these devices with tracer rounds to set them off. NFI

You can see that he has done an excellent job of providing information regarding defenses, anticipated attacks against the occupants, and other information that would give an assaulting force a tactical advantage.

Minoggio filed two more reports on the 24th that contained only the two additional sets of photographs from first day at MNWR.

Then, on January 25, 2016, he reported:

An individual driving a vehicle bearing license plate number [omitted] (NV) has a PS90 rifle, a 308 sniper rifle and an AK-47 at the refuge. This individual is bragging that he has 5.7 caliber armor piercing rounds that he purchased from his cousin who is in law enforcement.

CHS observed two large pairs of night vision binoculars at the refuge.

Refuge occupants are again shooting at the range today. A few individuals brought body armor carriers with them to the range.

Tonight, individuals from the refuge will go to restaurants in Burns, sit next to law enforcement officers, and take pictures of the law enforcement officers’ faces.

Payne is meeting with refuge occupants to discuss ways to make law enforcement look like idiots.

CHS also reported observing a vehicle bearing license plate number [omitted] (Wisconsin) at the refuge.

His final report was on January 26, 2016.

XXXX Melissa Cooper and the children are leaving the refuge. The people at the refuge are very nervous and panicked.

XXXX

XXXX people at the refuge state panicking and rumors of Ammon Bundy’s arrest and hospitalization started to spread. CHS tried to calm everyone down, as people starting talking about defending the refuge.

The people at the refuge are on high alert and ready to use force to defend the refuge. Everyone is geared up and all the armor piercing rounds at the refuge have been handed out and are loaded into the weapon at the refuge.

Jeff LNU “aka Doc” (25 years old), Carl LNU, and Dwain LNU make up the current leadership at the refuge.

Blaine and Melissa Cooper left the refuge immediately afterword of Ammon’s arrest started to spread.

XXXX

Karl LNU, one of the current leaders on the refuge along with Dwaine LNU, advised they are planning a defensive strategy on the refuge.

Karl LNU’s phone number is [omitted] Dwaine LNU’s phone number is [omitted]

Minoggio’s final report assured the FBI that they would be able to contact those who he believed to be in charge, for the negotiation teams.

The Jury

Finally, we get to the diligence, or perhaps Divine Intervention, that played a role in the not guilty” verdicts in all but one of the charges against the Defendants then on trial.

Juror #4, the same one that called out another juror for bias, in an exchange of emails,

including a statement and then some answers to questions. This exchange was reported in Maxine Bernstein’s article, “Transcript of Juror 4’s emails“, published November 3, 2016, at oregonlive.com.

Q. Wondered if there were turning points or particular moments in the trial that stuck out for jurors in helping the jury reach the not guilty pleas.

A. Turning points? Let me begin by speaking for myself before I attempt to recall those of others. I expected there to be a witness to the January 2nd meeting at Ye Olde Castle before the protest/rally that would confirm the prosecution’s assertion of intent to impede, and the absence of such evidence became a seed of doubt that grew. I expected that there must be proof of conspiracy between Ammon and Ryan Payne (most logical link, owing to their initial visit to the Hammond’s place in early November) but he wasn’t even called for either side, nor were there any phone calls, emails, etc. that would demonstrate agreement here. These two major holes in the evidence record proved to cause insurmountable doubt for me.

Others said that, while the evidence record was not adequate, certain moments turned them. One said they did a full 180-degree turn when they realized there were six informants that went unnamed on the refuge during the occupation, and the choice of the prosecution to allow that much room for mysterious influence there (remember Fabio?) was decisive. One said that the doctrine of adverse possession seemed to govern every thought, word, and deed of the ‘leadership’ such that it could not be deemed intent to impede federal workers. Another said that the repeated objections to the reading of the constitution became a wedge issue for them. Those turning points are the most distinct ones I can remember, and so I’ll leave it there.

So, now we have a picture of a foreigner who, for some unknown reason, decided to catch “a moment in history”. Is it possible that he was an agent for, and paid by, a foreign government? That is well within reason, as we have agreements with a number of countries where they can spy on our people, though we cannot; and we can spy on their people, though they cannot. However, the information can be given freely to the country that has its people spied upon. Perhaps that would explain that he received only expenses, and probably was not bound to obeying our laws, as the other informers were bound not to violate. Therefore, I will close with Mr. Minoggio’s final words, “I’ll leave it there.”

November 26, 2016 – update

This is a picture of Minoggio while waiting to testify in the Oregon trial. Picture courtesy of Defense Attorney Lisa Maxfield

November 22, 2016, 4:46 pm

Burns Chronicles No 43

Terri Linnell (Mama Bear) #2

These are side-by-side thumbnails of the un-redacted and redacted versions of the same report.

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom November 22, 2016

My initial article on informants was “Terri Linnell (Mama Bear)“. That article was written because Terri had contacted me prior to testifying in the Portland trial of the first seven defendants. The article was based solely on information provided to me, not what was reported to the government. In my subsequent articles, I have since obtained redacted versions of the “CHS Reporting Documents”, and am now able to provide insight into what Terri reported.

What Terri reported during her role as an informant has not been made public, though some have expressed a concern as to what she said and what might be damaging to the defendants. As Terri claimed in her statement in the above linked article, her job was, primarily, to keep and eye on six people — Ammon Bundy, Ryan Bundy, Jon Ritzheimer, Blaine Cooper, Ryan Payne, Pete Santilli, and Joe O’Shaughnessy. So, from those reports that have exemplified the role of informants, following is the role that Terri played.

It must be understood that all of these reports were based upon telephone conversations, as described by the case agent. They are not necessarily the words spoken by the informant, rather the interpretation by the case agent.

The first report is dated January 14, 2016. “(omitted)” indicates omitted by me for privacy of individual. “XXXX” indicates redacted portion.

XXXX CHS advised TIM DAVIS’ phone, bearing telephone number (541) (omitted), is being used by multiple people at MNWR due to the poor cell phone reception in the area.

CHS stated that everyone at MNWR has a job to do and supplies including gas, food, and water are unlimited. CHS advised that even if the electricity was shut off, everyone would be fine.

CHS has seen at least 30 individuals at MNWR and approximately six are women.

XXXX An embedded media representative from Direct TV is also present at MNWR.

An individual known as “JUDGE,” who is sovereign in nature, has two people with him: FNU LNU, and MARSHALL LNU. CHS believes JUDGE is the major influence behind BUNDY’s continued occupation on MNWR. JUDGE stayed the night on the refuge for the first time on January 13, 2016.

CHS stated that there is a rumor going around that the Fire Marshal in Burns, Oregon, resigned because he caught two FBI agents, who were posing as militia members, breaking into the National Guard Armory (NFI).

CHS advised there is a BBQ dinner on January 14, 2016, in the kitchen area at MNWR.

Her next report was on January 19, 2016. In the file I obtained, there is only one un- redacted report. However, there is also a redacted version of that report. The following is the un-redacted report, with all of the pertinent information in place.

.

HEADER

Source ID: S-00070856

Date: 01/22/2016

Case Agent Name: SMALDINO, CARLY J. Field Office/ Division: San Diego Squad: CT1

SOURCE REPORTING

Date of Contact: 01/19/2016

List all present including yourself (do not include the CHS): SA Carly J. Smaldino

Type of Contact: Telephonic Date of Report: 01/19/2016

Substantive Case File Number 266T-PD-6774258

Substantive Case File Number 266-SD-C67675

Check here if additional reporting is in Echo No

Source Reporting:

On January 19, 2016, a Confidential Human Source, (CHS),who is in a position to testify, provided the following information:

CHS stated that the occupation on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge(MNWR) will continue and there is still no talk of leaving. CHS reported that the majority of individuals staying on the refuge are veterans or disabled veterans. CHS has access to “leadership” on a daily basis including AMMON BUNDY, RYAN BUNDY, FNU BUNDY (brother of AMMON AND RYAN), JON RITZHEIMER, RYAN PAYNE, and

BLAINE COOPER. CHS advised BLAINE COOPER left the refuge with AMMON BUNDY on January 18, 2016, for a meeting outside of MNWR (NFI).

CHS stated MELISSA COOPER brought her kids to the refuge on January 19, 2016, and the kids have been staying in the kitchen area. The individuals staying at MNWR do not want the kids to be there and believe the environment is not suitable for children.

CHS stated FNU O’SHAUGHNESSY has never been on the refuge. O’SHAUGHNESSY has reportedly been in the town of Burns, Oregon, getting drunk and collecting donations on behalf of the occupation (NFI).

SIGNATURE

Submitted By cjsmaldino (Carly Smaldino) Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:16:49 -0800

First Level Approved By ABEDELL (Andrew Bedell) Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:05:49 -0800

The redacted report is only lightly redacted, though many other reports are heavily redacted. The above report is provided simply to show what a complete form 1023 looks like. The redacted version follows:

On January 19, 2016, a Confidential Human Source, (CHS),who is in a position to testify, provided the following information:

CHS stated that the occupation on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge(MNWR) will continue and there is still no talk of leaving. CHS reported that the majority of

individuals staying on the refuge are veterans or disabled veterans. CHS has access to “leadership” on a daily basis including AMMON BUNDY, RYAN BUNDY, FNU BUNDY (brother of AMMON AND RYAN), JON RITZHEIMER, RYAN PAYNE, and

BLAINE COOPER. CHS advised BLAINE COOPER left the refuge with AMMON BUNDY on January 18, 2016, for a meeting outside of MNWR (NFI).

CHS stated MELISSA COOPER brought her kids to the refuge on January 19, 2016, and the kids have been staying in the kitchen area. The individuals staying at MNWR do not want the kids to be there and believe the environment is not suitable for children.

CHS stated FNU O’SHAUGHNESSY has never been on the refuge. O’SHAUGHNESSY has reportedly been in the town of Burns, Oregon, getting drunk and collecting donations on behalf of the occupation (NFI).

Her next report was on January 21, 2016.

XXXX a meeting was held by leadership for those occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR). Approximately 50 individuals were in attendance at the meeting, which occurred in a large garage, located a building or two down the road from the kitchen. AMMON BUNDY and RYAN PAYNE ran the meeting and spoke about natural law saying landowners must claim rights, use rights, and defend rights to own land. Based on the meeting, CHS believes that the occupation is going to last a while longer and there is no immediate end in sight.

XXXX

CHS advised no drinking and no drugs are allowed on the refuge. Individuals are not allowed to leave weapons unattended. Everyone has personally owned weapons for self-defense purposes and each person is responsible for his or her own weapon. Individuals doing watches are the only ones who carry rifles. CHS stated that individuals at MNWR use first names only.

CHS advised that there is a general unhappiness with sovereigns in the group on the refuge. One “local,” individual with known sovereign views has been occupying the refuge and was in attendance at the meeting held on January 20 2016. FNU LNU, known only as the local, is leaving on January 21, 2016. The referenced individual was recently in local Sheriff’s custody and accused the Sheriff’s Department and/or Sheriff of beating him while in custody (NFI).

CHS reported FNU (possibly CHRIS) ANN HALL is a constitutional lawyer who has been holding speaking engagements regarding the occupation in Burns, Oregon. HALL is not considered part of the group occupying the refuge.

Her final report, which was the only face-to-face meeting, was on January 26, 2016.

CHS stated it is very peaceful inside the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR) but not in the town of Burns, Oregon. CHS did not like traveling into town because CHS felt as though s/he was being watched and/or followed. CHS stated a “mole” accessed the refuge as a protester, and PETE SANTILLI reported the “mole” was seen in FBI space (NFI). By way of background, SANTILLI is a news broadcaster with a radio show from Ohio, who also participated in the Bundy Ranch Standoff.

CHS advised approximately six women are staying at the refuge. XXXX married couple DEB LNU and COREY LNU remain at the refuge. XXXX

The individuals occupying MNWR eat three meals a day in the Chow Hall. CHS stated that there was a “sign-in” sheet for all individuals who passed through the Chow Hall at MNWR. CHS reported the sign-in sheet was “missing”. XXXX CHS stated the MNWR Headquarters Building is used as AMMON BUNDY’s office. CHS reported the Chow Hall and Bunk House are co-located on the refuge. CHS advised of a Fire Building on the refuge, which houses Fire Trucks.

CHS reported documentation was found showing the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) planned for a 20 percent increase in land ownership on MNWR in 2016.CHS reported the Sheriff of Burns, Oregon, is involved in corruption and may have made a deal with BLM (NFI).

CHS stated that AMMON BUNDY announced via BUNDY’s www.facebook.com public page, he would hold meetings in two surrounding counties on January 26, 2016, to garner support for his beliefs. BUNDY believes he has a “duty” to do right by the people of Burns, Oregon. The ranchers asked BUNDY to help protect their land.

CHS reported three sovereign citizens were occupying MNWR: WAYNE LNU, a tall black male (FNU LNU), and a Spanish male (FNU LNU), who claims to be a lawyer from Spain (NFI). CHS stated the Spanish male accompanied MELISSA COOPER when she retrieved her children from her brother, who was granted custody of the children from Child Protective Services (CPS). XXXX

BLAINE and MELISSA COOPER are from Arizona. CHS positively identified referenced black male and referenced Spanish male in the photograph uploaded herein. The photograph was taken inside the Chow Hall at MNWR.

XXXX CHS reported occupants did not have night vision goggles on the refuge.CHS stated someone was bringing them in order for individuals on patrol to use as appropriate. CHS stated a patrol shift is scheduled for four hours, but individuals assigned to patrol duty often take a double shift if needed.

CHS stated that everyone on the refuge is prepared for armed conflict with law enforcement; however, as a rule, the occupants will NOT fire first.

Note that the “sign in sheet” may be the one that Allen Varner (Wolf) reported having turned over to the FBI. There is no indication that Terri handed anything over to the FBI, as all of her communications appear to be telephonic.

Regarding the question posed to her during her testimony at the trial, the government purported to read from a document suggesting that she had said that Ammon wanted to take over other federal facilities. What we see is that she reported that Ammon “would hold meetings in two surrounding counties on January 26, 2016.” Apparently, they knowingly tried to trick Terri into a false testimony. However, Terri refused to support their effort, which is now on the record.

Nothing has been left out. I have included everything so that those who had questions about what was included in the first article can now make their judgment as to just how much help her informing at the Refuge was to the government, and how much damage it might do to the occupiers.

November 25, 2016, 9:10 am

Burns Chronicles No 44 – Mark McConnell

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom November 25, 2016

I first interviewed Mark McConnell back in August 2015 That interview was in regard to Parris Frazier and his effort to steal cartel drugs and sell them (Arizona Misfits – A Bad Operation Gone Worse). McConnell seemed to have an extraordinary knowledge of some of the facts surrounding that incident, which was quite useful in researching for that story. It never occurred to me, at the time, that this knowledge would have been extremely beneficial to law enforcement, leading up to the bust.

The Criminal Complaint that lead to the arrest of Frazier and his cohorts began with the government putting an undercover employee (UCE) in a position provide access to Frazier to make the government’s plans to set Frazier up for the bust. This scenario omits what led up to the bringing in the UCE, so there was a substantial part of the story that was missing. It is quite possible that they chose not to mention a confidential human source (CHS) that provided the background that led to the setup of Frazier. Or, possibly, any such report was filed on form 302, an “Investigation Report”.

Let’s move forward to the events that occurred in Burns, Oregon, this past January.

During the trial, the government, for whatever reason, outed McConnell as a CHS. In every other instance of a CHS being involved in spying on the occupiers, this would include nine who were at the Refuge and six who were not, the government has taken pains to conceal their identity.

This would lead one to conclude that they just wanted to wipe their hands clean of any association with Mark McConnell — to make him an outcast in both the government and patriot sides. What other reason could exist for intentionally expose just this single informant? Could it be his arrogance and air of superiority in dealing with his handler?

Many had determined that McConnell was an informant, early on. However, in an effort to find verification, I have interviewed McConnell 3 more times since LaVoy Finicum was murdered on January 26. The first was on January 30, as he was driving back to Arizona after having his vehicle returned to him. My purpose was simply to find out what happened from the first stop to his release, that evening.

That interview was much different from the video that was posted on YouTube where he talked about LaVoy rushing the Oregon State Police (OSP) officers. He had learned his lesson and wouldn’t claim that he saw Ryan get out of the LaVoy’s truck, only what Ryan told him, when they were placed on the ground together. And, he made clear that all he would say was what he saw, or heard. This interview was straightforward. The details he gave were consistent with what has subsequently been confirmed by others.

My next interview, on May 16, was an effort to find something that would support the accusations that he was an informant. Now, obviously, getting such a “confession” is nearly impossible. However, often clues come out that would support such a conclusion. McConnell said that there was a meeting on the Saturday, before the shooting, Brandon Curtiss, McConnell, Booda (Brian Cavalier) and Ammon had a meeting and Curtiss and McConnell explained that was over three hundred FBI agents in the area. Then, the night before the shooting, he had tried to talk the people out of going to the meeting at John Day. However, he was willing to drive to John Day and make sure that Ammon was in his Jeep.

On October 10, after McConnell was outed as an informant, I spoke with him, again. The only interesting point in this interview was the McConnell said that the occupation was a “criminal enterprise”. A rather interesting statement from one who participated to the extent that he did. This would raise a question of motivation as to why he participated in such an enterprise, at least as an accessory, unless he had a reason, and immunity, to do so. Here is what he told me (from my notes of the conversation):

He spent three nights at the Refuge, the second trip. He could not find a motel room. He did not agree with the occupation. He called it lies and bullshit. He also claimed that Payne and Joker J (Jason Blomgren) had given me [Hunt] money to secure supplies, listing pipes and pipe caps, stating, “That’s not what the statements I have found said.”

.

Heck, I was not there until January 24, late in the afternoon. I am somewhat surprised that he tried to implicate me in something that, as best I know, never occurred — with anybody having been asked you procure such “supplies”.

He met Melvin Lee about a year ago on an Arizona Border Recon operation. McConnell was going up to the Refuge to get Kristen and her baby out of the Refuge. Taking over a Bird Refuge is the dumbest thing he had ever seen.

Clearly his arrogance and his attitude toward the occupation of the Refuge, is clear. So, why did he go there, and then return towards the end of the initial occupation? It appears that there is a motive — to do what he can to stoop to the “dumbest thing he had ever seen”.

In response to my query as to whether he was an informant:

He stated that he was waiting for the OSP and FBI to tell him what his involvement was. He has seen no statements, no affidavits and has yet to see where he was paid.

When asked, directly, if he received any payment or expenses for going to the Refuge, he said “No” and claimed that everything that he spent was on his Cabellas credit card.

Well, that Cabellas credit card would be the receipts that were necessary for reimbursement of his expenses.

I asked him if he would sign an affidavit stating that he received no money and had no communication with the FBI or any government agency. He stated that he was taking legal action and could not provide an affidavit.

I couldn’t even get him to swear, in an affidavit, that he was not an informant. So, we had no positive proof that he was an informant, except the testimony by an OSP officer that did not even know what agency McConnell was working for. In addition, he would provide no positive proof (affidavit) that he was not an informant. However, it would seem that if he were contemplating a lawsuit, the affidavit would be a part of the complaint.

When I obtained access to the “CHS Reporting Documents” (form 1023), it was simply a matter of matching dates, statement, etc., to determine which of those reports were from McConnell. This required communication with those who were at the Refuge, though not still in custody, to verify certain things that became key to unlocking the necessary proof of McConnell’s role as an informant.

Let’s look at what was reported by McConnell, even well before the occupation on January 2, 2016. In the reports, “(omitted)” indicates that I have removed personal information. “XXXX” indicates redacted portions.

His first report was on December 18, 2015, when Ryan Payne apprised him that there was a still hope of preventing the imprisonment of Dwight and Steven Hammond.

Ryan Payne is trying to get ten “skilled or military trained” militia members to join him at the Hammond ranch in Oregon. Three of these individuals are reportedly coming from Arizona. Based upon a conversations with Payne and others, the CHS believes these three individuals are Blaine Cooper, Jon Ritzheimer, and Mike Bailey. It was unclear what Payne wanted to accomplish once he had these individuals with him in Oregon.

Shortly after the occupation of the Refuge, on January 4, 2016, he gave his first report of the goings on outside of the Refuge. The report deals with the situation up in Burns, probably staying at the Silver Spur Motel.

Some of the command personal at the refuge (Joseph O’Shaughnessy and Pete Santilli) are staying at the Silver Spur Motel in Burns, OR at night and staying at the compound during the day. O’Shaughnessy is currently using telephone number (928) (omitted).

All of the motels in Burns, OR are currently booked

We know that he arrived at the gate the next afternoon, as a text message was received from the front gate at the Refuge, which reads, “Tue, Jan 5, 6:23 PM – This is (omitted) from AZ. Mark McConnell is at the gate he needs someone to let him in, tell Ryan“. He was relying on Ryan Payne to grant him access. This is his first report from inside of the Refuge:

Due to Michael Meyers (aka Lewis Arthur from Veterans on Patrol) stating that he is going to physically remove Ritzheimer from the refuge (to save him from himself and possible PTSD induced violence), security at the refuge has been tightened and they are no longer allowing people to come and go freely.

Individuals wanting to enter are met at the vehicle barrier and vetted before they can come in. Supplies being dropped off at the refuge have to be dropped off at the barrier and then transported inside by the militia members.

Everyone is very amped up right now putting on their plate carriers and grabbing rifles. They say they just got credible Intel that a law enforcement raid was coming. Another reason they are on high alert is because Ryan Payne and Joe O’Shaughnessy did a recon and followed law enforcement from the airport to the school.

There is a large grader blocking the road and they moved a front end loader up to support the grader. There is a fire tower directly behind they entrance that is manned by two individuals.

The Oath Keepers put out a message saying that a National Guard Special Forces unit had been tasked for the standoff. They also said they should expect Delta and FBI HRT to be involved also. This further escalated the tension at the refuge.

There is only one woman left on the compound (a girlfriend of one of the guys) and all of the kids are gone or staying in town.

LaVoy Finicum is setting up a makeshift tent to stay in near the entrance. Some of the militia members have .308s but the majority have .223 ARs.

Payne’s plan in the event of an LE assault is to bog down the assault at the entrance and then flank LE from the rear. He is very cold and calloused when discussing possible militia casualties. He said he knows the two guys in the tower will be shot right off the bat so he isn’t getting after them about noise and light

discipline. The CHS believes Payne wants to goad LE into action, get his followers to fight and die in the fighting, and then have the leadership go out toward the end as martyrs.

The above report was made the same evening of McConnell’s arrival. Rather quick work on his part. The deceptive role of OathKeepers is explained in OathKeepers vs. Militia – Part III. This explains the heightened alert status on that day. Thus, McConnell, who had been invited up to the Refuge by Payne still had to get approval to enter. According to McConnell, he never did enter the Refuge that evening, that Ryan Payne came out to the gate and then went to McConnell’s Jeep where they carried out their conversation.

The following day, January 6, 2016, after McConnell had a little time to see, or hear, what was going on at the Refuge, he provided the following report:

Ammon Bundy’s HQ is set up in the building labeled Recreation/Maintainable in an upstairs office that appears to be the facility supervisor’s office. Several individuals are using this office to store their long guns, vests, and ammunition when not being utilized. Everyone else sleeps in the bunk houses east of there.

Shawna Cox (from UT, author of a book about Cliven Bundy) is at the refuge. The following vehicles are on site being used by militia members:

• Washington tag (omitted) (Registered to (omitted) Kelso, WA)

• Texas tag (omitted) (Registered to (omitted) N Richland Hills, TX)

• California tag (omitted) (Registered to (omitted) Yuba City, CA)

The militia is removing gasoline and diesel fuel from the storage tanks on site in order to refuel their personal vehicles.

The local ranchers that are part of the Committee of Safety (about 6 of them) told Ammon Bundy that it was time for the militia to leave and they would carry on the fight for the land on their own.

On January 6, 2016, most of the individuals on the refuge were walking around unarmed (or concealed). Ryan Payne is open carrying an FN .40 Cal pistol (CHS believes it is an FNX) and Ritzheimer has a Sig Sauer .380 pocket pistol (unknown model, single stack magazine).

Michael Meyers (aka Lewis Arthur) has arrived at the refuge with two other members of his group Veterans On Patrol. He has set up a GP medium tent across from the refuge entrance. One of the members is a large heavy set individual wearing a leather jacket with patches of a Christian motorcycle club.

Members of an Oregon militia group stopped by the refuge but did not stay. The CHS said most of the individuals on site were “not fighters.”

Brian Cavalier (Buddha) left the refuge last night when everyone was talking about an LE raid because he felt defenseless with only a handgun. He has not returned

since and neither Payne nor Ammon seem to know where he is. One of the individuals on the refuge is named Dillon (LNU).

By the way this report is presented, it was probably a telephonic report. The next report, on January 7, 2016, provides additional intelligence on the goings on at the Refuge. This report appears to have been an email report, since photos were attached.

There are no roving patrols at this time that the CHS is aware of. There is heavy equipment blocking the east and west entrances to the facility. These are watched by guards stationed inside vehicles to stay warm. Sometimes there is a second vehicle there during shift change or to bring food/supplies. The main entrance has two vehicles for security. Blaine Cooper and Jon Ritzheimer are usually in one of these vehicles.

The CHS heard that it was Blaine Cooper, not Ryan Payne that got into the fight with Meyers last night.

One of the individuals on site is named Dillon (LNU).

CHS says that O’Shaughnessy is still at the Silver Spur motel. The CHS does not believe O’Shaughnessy ever came onto the refuge, he just comes up to the front gates.

As of 12:00 pm, Ritzheimer and one other person are pulling security at the front entrance.

The night scope is currently mounted to an AR-15 that is in Ammon’s room with about 5-6 other long guns. One other guy said he had night vision with him, but it shut off and he can’t get it working again.

There is no one guarding the west entrance anymore, they just have heavy equipment blocking it. The two guards at the east entrance each have an AR-15 and handgun.

The leader of an Oregon militia group that is on site is driving a blue Dodge pickup bearing Oregon tag: (omitted).

Another vehicle on site is bearing Idaho tag: (omitted).

XXXX The CHS said that rumors about an impending raid are constant and people are starting to get burned out by it.

Eric Parker and 8 members of his militia group showed up at the refuge tonight. They said they brought a .416 Barrett, but the CHS didn’t see it.

One of the militia members onsite (picture attached) owns or works at the Ehmer Welding Company in Irrigon, OR. His phone numbers are 541-(omitted) and 541- (omitted).

Also attached is a picture of Joe (LNU) that was driving the vehicle with California tag (omitted) (Registered to Joseph (omitted)).

Attached are pictures of the tower, the kitchen area and the supply stash.

Attached is a picture of a radio being used with the frequencies. The radio is a Baofeng UV-5RV2+. They are transmitting on 154.475 and receiving on 426.145.

Interesting that he notes that Joe O’Shaughnessy did not stay at the Refuge. The FBI, in their first press conference on January 27 stated that only those who spent the night at the Refuge would be charged. Joe was charged in the Indictment, so I wonder why McConnell makes this comment.

The next day, on January 8, 2016, we have the following, which also appears to be an email report (not third party presentation):

Several people left the refuge last night and are not expected to return. Because of this, they are letting in only hard core supporters. The meeting at 9:00 am turned out to be a general planning meeting for activities at the refuge like guard shifts and scheduling. There were about 12-14 people at that meeting with four more on security. It is possible that there were a few sleeping as well.

The press release at 11:00 am is now going to be where the plans and demands are laid out.

Ritzheimer is not participating much in any leadership decisions. Ammon Bundy is handling the overall strategy and dealing with the press. Payne and Patrick are the one trying to keep the militia together and keeping people from leaving.

Eric Parker and his guys showed up at the refuge on January 8, 2016. Below are three more plates observed on the refuge on 1/8/16:

-WA tag (omitted) (Registered to (omitted) Tukwila, WA 98188). Believed to belong to an individual named Will (LNU) that is currently guarding the front entrance with Ritzheimer.

-ID tag (omitted) (Registered to (omitted) Nampa, ID 83651)

-Utah tag (omitted) (Registered to (omitted) Eagle Mountain, UT 84005)

The next report, on January 16, 2016, leaves over a week out of McConnell’s reporting. He was absent from the Refuge during this period.

Both men [Ammon and Ryan Payne] believe that the majority of the townspeople are on their side, but Ammon continues to make an active effort to court the public. He is extremely charismatic and his actions like going to the barber and out to lunch before heading to back to Idaho are calculated like a politician. The sense that the community is behind the occupation is exasperated by the fact that, despite several contacts, none of the occupiers have been cited by police in town. Even more recently there have been talk from local residents to defy the local government and cut the chains of closed public spaces. There are also several local residents that have joined the occupation.

In terms of who is allowed onto the refuge, Ammon and Payne are extremely

inclusive. They are able to take people from a variety of ideologies and move them toward their own. They assign duties to prevent the more volatile occupants of the refuge from getting in trouble. These lower ranking occupants sleep in the “bunkhouse.”

Payne and Ammon are dying for communication from the Federal Government. Payne does not view the FBI as either good or bad. They are merely the necessary other side of the dialogue that is needed to move us down the path to our future.

The planning for the occupation started in November. Between November and January.

When Mendenbach took one of the government vehicles to Safeway, Melissa Cooper was driving the other vehicle. Everyone in the refuge thought it was stupid of Mendenbach to take the vehicle and some people found it funny that he would get himself arrested in that fashion.

Inside of the refuge, Payne sleeps in the most vulnerable place by design. The tower is always manned by at least two people, but this includes a couple that use it as a location to have sex. Scotty LNU had a vision device and Ryan Bundy brought a second on his most recent trip back.

There was a very short report, filed on January 19, 2016, and appears to be a telephonic report:

Jon Ritzheimer is asking for individuals to bring snow camouflage when they come to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Ryan Payne is requesting Israeli gas masks.

What is damning about this report is a texting conversation that McConnell and Ritzheimer had the day before the report was filed. This is from that conversation:

Mon, Jan 18, 10:52 AM

MM – Jon do you need any gear or supplies

JR – Snow camo would be cool. Not a need just a want. I have driven all over Oregon looking for some. lol

JR – I might just order on line. JR – Here is my address.

General Mail Jon Ritzheimer

Burns, OR 97720

MM – I will look down here, probably cabellas has it.

Wed, Jan 20, 2:30 PM

MM – I’m heading north in the morning

JR – See you when you get here.

McConnell says that he is leaving for Burns on January 21. He returns on January 22, 2016, at the request of Ryan Payne (confirmed with Payne). This is an email report.

Cavalier is staying in building #1 (pic attached) with his girlfriend Melissa Laughter.

The computers that used to be in the office Ammon is using as his quarters have been moved (pic attached).

Attached is a picture of an AK-47 rifle being kept in the kitchen near Ammon’s office area.

Attached are two pictures showing the railroad ties and concrete barriers near the main entrance. The militia members are calling these “fighting positions.”

Tomorrow morning at 0600, Ammon, Cavalier, and three others are going to the Hammond ranch for a meeting.

There are approximately 30 individuals on the refuge today.

Joseph O’Shaughnessy is still staying at the Silver Spur, but spends time at the refuge. Many people have taken the license plates off of their POV’s. The following license plates were still on vehicles on the refuge:

OR- (omitted); ID- (omitted); UT – (omitted); CO – (omitted); CA – (omitted); AZ- (omitted); NC- (omitted); OR – (omitted)

McConnell updates the tactical information and provides a continuing list of who is present at the Refuge.

The next report is January 23, 2016:

The militias mixed some of the potassium permanganate with glycerin. Apparently someone thought that is how they could make an explosive. They believe there is dynamite on the facility due to an article they found about using dynamite to kill carp in the lake. They think they have found out where it is stored, but have been able to access it yet.

Ammon is going to go to Idaho to see his family either today or tomorrow. Due to a conversation he had with FBI negotiators, Ammon believes the facility will come under siege on Monday. Because of this, he wants to see his family and get some of the money that has been donated before the siege starts. Supposedly, donations to the occupiers is all going to Ammon’s wife in Idaho.

A family consisting of a woman with 8 kids showed up at the refuge last night. They are from Kansas and we’re at the Bundy ranch in April 20, 2014 (believed to be Sharp family).

Attached is a photo that shows where the explosives/fire making materials are being stored (circled in red). Also circled (in green) is the building where Sheriff

Ward’s cousins came and talked to the militia members saying that Sheriff Ward is corrupt.

Attached is a picture of a document that contains personal information of the members of the Harney County Committee of Safety. Also attached is a page showing Ammon’s schedule.

The following is another license plate that was observed on the refuge: ID – (omitted)

Ammon Bundy, Brian Cavalier, and Arizona militia member Mark McConnell, are leaving the refuge tomorrow morning at 0600 to go to Ammon’s house in Idaho. This was prompted by a meeting Ammon had earlier in the day with Brandon Curtis, Todd Engel, and others, in which Ammon was told that there was a large, sudden build up of FBI in Burns. Because of this, and Ammon’s appointment to talk to FBI negotiators on Monday, Ammon and many others on the refuge believe that a siege will begin on Monday.

Attached is a picture of the main hallway in the chow hall leading to where many individuals are staying.

No evidence was ever provided at trial that suggests that explosive were made. The veracity of this portion of the report is questionable — perhaps rumor.

Note that first he mentions Ammon’s trip. Later, he reports that “Arizona militia member Mark McConnell” is also going. Is this an attempt to cover his role? Perhaps the next report will help us understand that this was really McConnell writing about himself in the second person, rather than using “CHS”, just in case…

The final report from inside the Refuge comes on January 24, 2016, just a few days away from the ambush on US Highway 395.

Ammon Bundy is in Boise, ID visiting his family today. Tomorrow he plans on returning to the refuge and is bringing his family with him. The GPS coordinates to Ammon’s house outside of Boise are 43.82721, -116.52850. Ammon admires Ryan Payne’s knowledge of the Constitution and his drive and determination.

However, Ammon does not trust Payne much. This is because both of them feel that God is driving them to push for reform; however, their differing religious beliefs prevent them from coming together completely.

Interesting that he reports the latitude and longitude of Ammon’s house. He did not report them before Ammon left, but he reported them before Ammon returned, which means he probably acquired them while at Ammon’s house.

Probably anxiety prevented subsequent reports, perhaps knowing that the ambush that was to occur on the 26th, on the way to a meeting in Grant, Oregon, was forthcoming. Perhaps he went back to phone communications, though if he did, they are not included in the reports.

In an interview with Mark shortly after the murder of LaVoy Finicum, he provided his version of what happened that afternoon. Much of what he told me was contained in “Ambush“. However,

In what appears to be McConnell’s final report, on April 21, 2016, he has been posed some questions regarding identification of individuals involved in the

1. Identify all individuals who were observed operating heavy machinery at the MNWR and when.

   Duane Ehmer and one other elderly guy, name unknown.

2. Identify the individuals who built the bunkhouse road. Duane Ehmer

3. Identify any individuals who assisted, supervised, or instructed individuals to build the road.

   Ryan Bundy instructed how to do the road in order to make travel shorter to the chow hall.

4. What discussions were there about the Paiute Tribe? Who was present? LaVoy Finicum, Ammon Bundy, Ryan Bundy, Anthony Bosworth, and Melissa Laughter all talked about the tribe, but the CHS did not hear much during the conversations.

5. What discussions were there about the artifacts stored at the MNWR? Who was present?

   LaVoy Finicum mentioned the artifacts and suggested contacting the tribe that the artifacts belonged to.

6. Did any militia members express personal interests related to artifact collecting?

   No one seemed very interested in them.

7. Did individuals present at the MNWR read The Burns Times Herald as well as the MNWR pamphlets pertaining to fishing, hunting, protecting artifacts, wildlife viewing, etc?

   Unknown

8. Who dug the trench which was used to dump trash? Unknown

9. Who dug the two trenches on Jan 27th and why?

   CHS was told that Jeff Banta did the digging because Anthony Bosworth told everyone they needed fighting positions.

10. Who instructed, assisted, supervised the digging of the two trenches on Jan 27th?

Same as #9 above.

So, we see that McConnell was still working for the feds by helping to identify people that he might recognize from pictures. They were trying to identify any who has “disturbed native artifacts”.

After having prepared a draft of this article, I contacted McConnell to see if he could refute anything. He continued to claim he was not an informant, though he did clarify what transpired at the gate on January 5. During a review of the comments made in the

1023 forms, he often said, “I never knew that”, though on two occasions he said, “I didn’t say that.”

Now, at the time of this article, McConnell has invested himself into the Arizona Border Recon (ABR), run by Tim “Nailer” Foley, a former member of the Operation Mutual Defense Advisory Board. Foley resigned from the Advisory Board shortly before the occupation began.

December 19, 2016, 3:38 pm

Burns Chronicles No 47 Robert “Rob” Seever

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom December 19, 2016

Rob Seever joined a start up militia in Fallon, Nevada, started by Corey Lequieu in January 2015. He had been a reserve deputy in Yamhill County and a clerk of a District Attorney in Washington, before moving to Nevada. He met Lequieu through Modern Militia Movement (MMM). Lequieu and Seever became close friends over the following months.

Lequieu had been active with Operation Mutual Aid (OMA), an organization created by Jerry Bruckhart and Ryan Payne. Many of those who participated in discussions appended “OMA” to their Facebook names and otherwise express their commitment to what OMA stood for.

Among those OMA supporters were Robert Beecher (the Demonization of Robert Beecher) and Kevin “KC” Massey (Update #1 on K. C. Massey). The government targeted both of them, and both are currently serving prison terms. It seems that the OMA membership list may have become a hit list for the FBI.

When I first spoke with Lequieu, he said that if Seever were an informant, he would have turned “after he came home from Burns, in December 2015”. However, after I provided Lequieu some of the information from the 1023 forms (CHS Reporting Documents), he realized that Seever had started informing much earlier. Seever’s first report was filed on November 22, 2015. He begins his first report with the text of a message that he sent to Ammon Bundy:

“Thanks for the update. I have been following what is going on with the Hammond’s and it is truly awful. I am a native Oregonian and a former reserve deputy (Yamhill County, OR); I am also a member of the OathKeepers. I will be contacting Sheriff Ward tomorrow and if necessary I am more than willing to travel to Burns. Enough is enough. Just give me the word and I’ll be there.

I appreciate your helping the Hammond’s and this is something I definitely want to be a part of if any help is needed. You are welcome to contact me at anytime.

God bless you,” He follows that with:

I provided my name, address, and phone number.

xxxx I responded in this manner to Ammon Bundy due to our conversation about my being sent in to a situation, where Brian Rapolla would likely be present.

Brian Rapolla may possibly be Brandon Rapolla, OathKeepers. No explanation as to why he might be concerned about Rapolla’s presence.

His next report was filed on December 14, 2015. It indicates that he “has reported reliably in the past”, which would probably include more informing prior to the November 22 report.

CHS, who has reported reliably in the past, advised that Cory Lequieu told CHS that he would be taking his AR-15 with him when he goes to Oregon in support of the Hammonds.

Corey Lequieu is a convicted felon and Seever was fully aware of that fact.

.

This information was emailed to FBI on December 14, 2015.

Lequieu says there is a growing rift between Payne and his group, Operation Mutual Defense (OMD) and the Pacific Patriots Network (PPN) which Soper is a part of. Both organizations want to get involved in protecting the Hammonds, but the OMD is far more radical and willing to use force. The PPN is not as quick to use force and while they want to support the Hammonds, the PPN are not wanting “direct action” so there is a conflict. Soper is also unhappy with Payne because he did not inform Lequieu & Bass about how extreme and potentially deadly the weather conditions routinely are in that part of Oregon this time of year.

Payne is extremely angry over the way court went for Schuyler Barbeau (in

Seattle?), that he was kept in custody on no bail. Payne was also angry over the heavy handed LE show of force, describing DHS SWAT teams and snipers on the rooftops, intended to intimidate the peaceful patriots, about 25 of them, that showed up to support Barbeau in court.

Payne was negotiating with the over the road truck driver (presently gone to Colorado and not coming back home until January) owner and his wife (she is at home) for the use of their shop to house militia members. I now have some additional information. xxxx the wife is a waitress at the truck stop in Burns. The shop can hold about 40 people and it has a big wood stove. In addition, the couple has a heated horse trailer with a bed in it. The trailer is occupied now but if some sort of arrangement can be made to move the horses elsewhere, Payne may have the use of the trailer for personnel as well as the shop or in place of the shop. Lequieu may be staying there if everything works out. The husband and wife sound sympathetic to the militia/patriot cause and may also be anti-government.

Jason Patrick is from Georgia and has already lost his job due to his extremist & militia activities. xxxx Patrick was one of the armed people “on the bridge” during the Bundy Ranch standoff; militia members on the bridge were aiming their weapons at BLM personnel and LE/others from what I understand. So if your colleagues did not already know about this, Patrick is a likely suspect in that weapon pointing incident.

Email dated December 12, 2015:

xxxx Moradi is an Oregon member of the National Liberty Alliance (NLA), a nationwide sovereign citizen group. xxxx and Moradi told me that the NLA is involved with it at the request of the Bundy’s, also remarking that Laura Weaver is involved (Weaver is a hardcore sovereign citizen in Oregon that I know well)

Moradi’s messages quoted:

“Please be in touch w/ Laura [Weaver]. There’re great news coming up. She has been putting lots of hours w/the Hammonds recently. NLA has been working w/them and we may need to assemble a CLGJ in that county. The Bundys have asked NLA to help them.”

“The Bundys are watching. This will put NLA on the map.”

xxxx per Ammon Bundy, the sheriff had a copy of a CLGJ handbook (from the NLA? sounds like it) on his desk. So Weaver says the sheriff presumably knows the right thing to be doing here, which is following the CLGJ’s commands, never minding that the CLGJ in reality is not a legal entity at all but a group of sovereign citizens claiming a nonexistent and bogus authority.

Email dated December 12, 2015:

They xxxx have been able to sleep inside so far, and last night they slept inside a large shop “in town” (presumably Burns) that is “big enough for a platoon” per Lequieu. The shop belongs to a truck driver that is gone out on the road now, and his wife who is home. xxxx that Payne is negotiating with the couple for the ongoing use of their shop, so that they will have a place to sleep inside and out of

the elements. If the negotiation is successful it sounds like the shop will be used to house multiple militia members.

xxxx that the national militia call-out will come “just before Christmas” and Payne says this will be a real test of the patriotism and commitment of militias due to the extreme weather conditions. Lequieu added that regardless of anything else such as negotiations from the Bundy’s to try and get the government to back down on the Hammonds, that the national militia call-out is still coming and is a sure thing.

“Weaver/Walker is also held in very high esteem, is very well respected and influential among Oregon NLA and other sovereigns. She is a natural leader and an extreme fanatic. Real trouble.”

Email dated December 14, 2015:

No answer on Bass’ cell [phone number omitted]. xxxx Ryan Payne [phone number omitted]. Payne xxxx he is in Seattle now. So he will likely be present for Barbeau’s hearing. Payne said as far as he knows, Lequieu and Bass are fine and still in Harney County. Does not sound like they are going to Seattle. “

Email dated December 16, 2015:

CHS, who has reported reliably in the past, advised that the community meeting was held last evening (12/15/2015) and a “Safety Council” was established. The safety Council will meet today (12/16/2015) to determine their role in the Hammond matter. Ryan Payne apparently wants to know when CHS can travel to Harney County to assist. CHS advised that no new information regarding Schuyler Barbeau except that supporters are planning on being present for his next court appearance on 12/21/2015. Via email, CHS provided photos of Payne, Lequieu, Patrick and others in Harney County. CHS also provided two photos of a flyer posted after the community meeting. These will be uploaded to the substantive files.

He then describes the individuals in a series of photographs taken during the meeting. He was present in Burns, at this time.

Email dated December 16, 2015:

Payne wants “10 shooters” to respond to Burns NOW. Calls are being made right now all over the country in order to get the shooters en route. Jason Patrick, who is generally unarmed, is now carrying a .45 caliber semi-auto pistol with an extended magazine.

Email dated December 21, 2015:

CHS, who has reported reliably in the past, advised that Ryan Payne and the others left Burns unarmed but they are now carrying sidearms. CHS did know exactly where they came from. xxxx John Ritzheimer wants to sling his AR-15 over his shoulder and show it as a display, outside the Federal Courthouse. Payne is going to be in plain clothes and away from everyone else. Payne will be armed. Cooper will be in the courtroom to stare down the Judge. Patrick’s sister (name unknown)

will video record. CHS not sure if she will be inside the courthouse or outside.

CHS advised that 4-5 people from Reno are going to Seattle for the hearing. One of the people from Reno is Gary Underhill.

Payne and the others are staying in Multkio, WA. (Not sure of the spelling). It is north of Seattle. Staying at Patrick’s mom’s place, [address omitted]. They are leaving tomorrow morning (12/22/2015) heading back to Burns, Oregon. No plans regarding breaking Barbeau out or about the transport. CHS advised that Payne is “absolutely” set on getting Barbeau out and mentioned that they just need to wait for more shooters. No further information.

CHS also reported that the Safety Council in Burns is to meet tonight and vote on the militia helping. If it is a ’No’ vote, the militia will be leaving. If a ’Yes” vote they will be staying. CHS could not provide more detail as he/she had to get off the phone.

Sunday, December 20, 2015, as detailed below: [probably phone call report.]

Saturday [December 19]: Ryan Payne, Cory Lequieu, Deborah Bass, and Jason Patrick are leaving Harney County to attend Schuler Barbeau’s court appearance on Monday. They are leaving Sunday night or Monday morning. CHS is not sure if they are taking weapons. Plans to break Barbeau out of jail seem to have fizzled out. Payne’s request for ten shooters seems to be changing to a more broad national call out. CHS said the holidays are making it difficult to get people to commit.

Payne and company are going to head to Seattle on Monday. They are going to be joined by John LNU and Joe Oshunnesey. They are going to be traveling unarmed. Payne and Patrick were interviewed by an Oregonian reporter. Patty is leaving on Wednesday for a week but her house will still be available. Bass is not going to Seattle.

Sunday:

Payne and company are going to be leaving shortly for Schuyler Barbeau’s court appearance. They will be traveling in a Dark Grey, Mazda, CA license plate number [omitted]. Also traveling are Joe Oshaughnessy, Blaine Cooper, and John Ritzheimer. Ritzheimer is driving a Silver, Ford, F-150, AZ license plate [omitted] with a large sticker in the back window that says “Fuck Islam.” Cooper and Oshaughnessy are driving a Black Jeep, AZ license plates [omitted]. They have no immediate plans to return and CHS thinks Payne plans on staying a couple of days. They will be staying at a trailer park in Seattle. Payne said that they should not take weapons but CHS is not confident that they won’t. Payne and Patrick have been observed carrying pistols on their right hips. They do not plan on entering the courthouse. They are going to dress in camouflage uniforms and congregate on the court house steps.

Bass is going to stay behind and rent a local P.O. Box in her name to receive mail for the militias. The owner of the home they are staying at (Patty [last name omitted]) is going Boise for a week on Wednesday but her house will still be

available. She also said that her parents would be willing to board some people. Payne is looking for a commercial building to use because he does not want Patty to experience a raid on her house. In Party’s house there are weapons always within reach. Lequieu almost shot Cooper and Ritzheimer with his AR-15 because they arrived late last night and Lequieu was not expecting them.

Payne claims to have the Hammond’s ranch under surveillance by several elements of Rangers. CHS advised that if this true they must be very well equipped because the weather is very harsh.

The plans to free Barbeau have not fizzled as previously reported. If Barbeau is not released Payne is very serious about attempting to free him with force and violence. There is no indication that Payne has any specific plans. CHS said that Payne is waiting for more shooters and when he has enough to be comfortable with an assault they will act. CHS said the plan would include some show of force prior to an attack.

The PPN is not supporting any action in Harney County because they are distancing themselves from Payne but there are still elements within the PPN including BJ Soper that are staying involved.

Email dated December 22, 2015:

CHS, who has reported reliably in the past, advised that Ryan Payne and others are en route back to Burns, OR. Apparently they (the group) have secured a hotel (name unknown) in Burns for everyone to stay at instead of the Patty [last name omitted] property. They are afraid of a raid and don’t want her place getting shot up.

Payne and the others are still discussing plans to break out Schuyler Barbeau. Payne claims to know where the Federal Detention center is that houses Barbeau. So far, the plan is to create a diversion and hit the convoy. Once they have Barbeau they will travel north to Canada, east through Canada, and then drop south back down to Harney County, Oregon.

Email dated December 24, 2015:

CHS, who has reported reliably in the past, advised that he/she located the area where Ryan Payne put Cory Lequieu and Debra Bass calling it an Observation Post. CHS provided details and photos in an email:

“While I was in Harney County (re: Hammond Ranch) xxxx I was shown the location of the observation post (OP) that Lequieu & Debra Bass were placed at where they later nearly died of exposure. On my way back home out of Harney County today, I passed near the OP location and got the idea of giving you details of where it is, in case Payne decides to occupy it again; Payne is the person that chose the location for this OP.

December 30, 2015, probably phone call report.

Sovereign Citizen Karl P. Koenigs and member of the National Liberty Alliance (NLA) has issued an online call out stating “Everybody needs to deploy for the

rendezvous at Burns, Oregon…”

Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes has reportedly issued a stand down order for the Oathkeepers.

Another December 30, 2015, probably another phone call report.

Frank Lavoie has issued the standard dire threats of violence against the federal government, promises of revolution on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/amethyst.rancher. CHS determined that Lavoie is located in Arizona, [phone number omitted], POB [number omitted], Tombstone, AZ.

Corey Lequieu xxxx Ryan Payne, Debra Pope, were handing out fliers in Burns and encountered the parents of the Sheriff. The Sheriff’s parents apparently disagreed with the substance of the fliers and this was difficult for Payne, Pope, and Lequieu. CHS opines based on his/her experience that Payne, and Jason Patrick if he was there, were armed. CHS points out that newspaper coverage of the event reported that the armed militia members complained to the sheriff that the 74 year old mother of the sheriff threatened them.

On December 31, 2015, CHS contacted the FBI by E-mail and advised as follows:

CHS is concerned that Joe O’Shaugnessy, Corely Lequieu, Debra Bass (aka Debra Pope), Blaine Cooper, and Jason Patrick are literally spoiling for a fight with any law enforcement while staying at the residence of Patty [last name omitted], Burns area resident.

The stand down order for the Oathkeepers apparently upset Jon Ritzheimer, and Jason Patrick. Ammon Bundy issued a response encouraging people to come out anyhow.

Lequieu had been active with Operation Mutual Aid (OMA), an organization created by Jerry Bruckhart and Ryan Payne. Many of those who participated in discussions appended “OMA” to their Facebook names and otherwise express their commitment to what OMA stood for.

Among those OMA supporters were Robert Beecher (the Demonization of Robert Beecher) and Kevin “KC” Massey (Update #1 on K. C. Massey). The government targeted both of them, and both are currently serving prison terms. It seems that the OMA membership list may have become a hit list for the FBI.

Seever is one of the six “outside” informants. Even though he went to Burns, he never visited the Refuge, though he probably fulfilled his promise to meet with Sheriff Ward.

Seever left Fallon to return to Washington, shortly after Lequieu was arrested. He then removed his Facebook page and has endeavored to cover his tracks.

Seever demonstrates that quite often the informant gets so close to you that you have no concern that he might be playing you so that he can serve the government. Some examples:

David Stone was the Michigan based “Hutaree Militia” when members of the Militia were arrested in 2010. When Stone got married, Steven Haug, an agent, was best man at Stone’s wedding. He was also the primary witness against the defendants.

Schuyler Barbeau was set up by Oliver Murphy. Schuyler considered Murphy to be his best friend. However, the role that Murphy played included a pretend purchase of a firearm that was immediately turned over to the FBI.

The insidious government has sent spies into our midst, as if we were an enemy at war with the country.

December 22, 2016, 8:24 pm

Burns Chronicles No 49

Thomas S. Dyman (Tom Dyman)

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom December 22, 2016

Thomas S. Dyman was considered for a Second Tier position in Operation Mutual Defense (OMD). The structure of OMD had three tiers. The First Tier is the Advisory Board. The Second Tier is those who could assist in research; webpage management, specialty skills, or other capabilities that would work with the Advisory Board. The Third Tier would be those recruited by the Second tier to assist them, though they would not be under the Advisory Board.

Being recommended by Ryan Payne, he had to fill out an application. In the application, he admits that he had a criminal record and refers to a background check. OMD never received the background check.

A search resulted in finding at least one criminal charge against Dyman. He was arrested in 2011 for having taken his children from his first wife, back in 1995. The children had become adults, and apparently the charges were dropped.

Dyman now lives in Williston, North Dakota and has a contracting business, Dyman Construction, LLC.

Dyman’s application was submitted to OMD on November 1, 2015, though the application is signed and dated on 10/29/16. We have to wonder what his intentions were in responding to Payne’s request, since his first report as an informant (CS) was dated November 3, 2015.

That report was dated November 3, 2015 and began with a copy of an article on the Hammonds that had been posted on bundyranchblogspot. Then, he began reporting on Payne’s plans.

xxxx Payne told multiple CHS’s that he and Ammon Bundy were meeting on the morning of 11/4/2015 and driving to Oregon to meet directly with the Hammonds. The purpose of the trip was to convince the Hammonds to take a stand against the federal government, and accept OMD and militia-related assistance in preventing their incarceration. Payne indicated he and Ammon Bundy were traveling largely at the insistence of Cliven Bundy, who has been pushing Payne to take additional militia-related actions like the one he led in Bunkerville in 2014. Payne and Ammon Bundy also plan on meeting with the local Sheriff in an attempt to convince him to support their resistance and aid in the effort. They may meet with other local officials, such as County Commissioners as well.

Payne stated that he felt obligated to act in defense of the Hammonds even if they do not request OMD’s assistance. Payne compared the situation to preventing a suicidal man from killing himself. Payne has suggested that if the Hammonds refuse to make a stand at their ranch, OMD should lead a “dynamic action” against the facility receiving them (presumably a prison or U.S. Marshals Service facility) to make it impossible for the Hammonds to turn themselves in.

It should be noted that OMD has recorded all of its Advisory Board meetings where the Hammond situation has been discussed. Payne xxxx and Ammon Bundy intend to record their meeting with the Hammonds, as well as an OMD meeting regarding the matter on Thursday November 5.

.

The following day, November 4, he provided an additional report based upon his communications with Payne, though it is nearly identical to the first report. Does he know that he will be paid by the report, and that informing pays better than contracting?

Ryan Payne contacted CHS xxxx to advise that he is traveling to Oregon with Ammon Bundy in an attempt to convince two ranchers to accept militia assistance to resist the federal government. Payne intends to meet Ammon Bundy on the morning of November 4 in southern Idaho and travel together to meet with a father and son by the last name of Hammond in Oregon. The Hammonds were recently sentenced to prison in a case involving the Bureau of Land Management

(BLM), and Payne feels the criminal case against them is unconstitutional. He has talked to the father, who seems resigned to his fate, but Payne hopes he and Ammon can convince him to accept Operation Mutual Defense (OMD)’s assistance and fight the government. He and Ammon intend to tell the Hammonds that they will have militia forces in place to back down the government if they intend to fight.

Payne claimed that Cliven Bundy has been pushing him to do some kind of militia- related action again soon, and has encouraged Ammon to travel with Payne to encourage the Hammonds to formally request militia assistance. Payne xxxx would be running around like crazy for a few days, and intended to meet with the local Sheriff in Oregon as well as the Hammonds.

In the event the Hammonds fail to accept Payne’s offer of support, he still feels inclined to act to save them from incarceration. He intends to explore options to use militia force to make the Hammond’s self surrender to federal prison impossible. He feels he and OMD have an obligation to prevent their incarceration, and is committed to taking whatever steps are necessary to do so. Payne said that this was one of the most difficult decisions OMD was going to have to wrestle with,

The next report was on November 12, 2015, and is obviously a report on a conversation he had with Payne.

Payne and Hunt worked xxxx on OMD-related matters, as they prepared for the opening of the group’s website, and formal introduction of OMD to the public.

The OMD website is being set up by a man who lives in Arizona or Nevada.

Prior to visiting Hunt, Payne was in Oregon with Ammon Bundy, where they were trying to convince the father and son rancher by the last name of Hammond to resist arrest by the federal government. Payne believes the Hammonds are beaten down, and intend to surrender despite the militia’s offer of assistance. Payne and Ammon Bundy also met with the local sheriff in Oregon, and believe he would stand by and allow the militia to protect the Hammonds from the feds.

So, it is clear that Payne’s whereabouts are being fed to the fed. Here is the November 25 report.

As of November 25, 2015, Ryan Payne was in Montana, but was planning on traveling to Oregon on Monday, November 30. The Advisory Board for Operation Mutual Defense (OMD), has voted against declaring a formal action to protect the Hammond family in Oregon, but Payne is still committed personally to keeping the Hammonds out of prison. OMD board member Jon Ritzheimer has told Payne that he will also be traveling to Oregon to join him in the Hammond-related operation. Payne believes he has also received commitments from several other militia- related individuals to travel to Oregon to defend the Hammonds.

Payne now believes the Sheriff in Oregon does not intend to support Payne in his effort to defend the Hammonds. Payne also claims the federal government has threatened the Hammonds to prevent them from associating with Payne or requesting militia help. Payne described himself as a sheep dog, who must defend

the sheep (the Hammonds), even though they don’t know they require defending. Although Payne did not explicitly state his intentions, it was clear to CHS that Payne intends to use military-style force to prevent the federal government from arresting the Hammonds and taking them to prison. Payne did not say what he would do if the Hammonds traveled to voluntarily turn themselves in at a federal facility.

Because the Hammonds have not given Payne or the militia permission to stage an operation on their property, Payne intends to camp out on the public land surrounding the Hammond property. Payne appears to have borrowed money from unknown sources to finance his operation in Oregon. He has indicated he will need to obtain employment after the New Year to pay some of this money back.

Because of the Oregon operation, Payne no longer is planning on traveling to Arizona to participate in border related training with OMD in December.

Payne is attempting to acquire Level IV body armor for his operation in Oregon, and wants a Montana militia associate, who is also a body armor supplier, to personally deliver this armor and other supplies to Oregon during the first or second weekend in December. Payne is contacting others who will be responding to Oregon to see if the would like to obtain new body armor from this supplier as well. xxxx CHS believes Payne will be responding to Oregon with his AR-style rifle, other firearms, and full load out of ammunition and magazines.

The next report was made on December 14, 2015.

On the morning of December 14, 2015, Ryan Payne and Jason Patrick were in Seattle on the way to the federal courthouse to attend Schuyler Barbeau’s detention hearing. They want to look the terrorists (meaning the FBI) in the eyes. Patrick expects he will be arrested, but Payne is under strict instructions not to get arrested, as he is supposed to be at a meeting in Harney County, Oregon, regarding the Hammond matter on the evening of December 15.

Payne has been camping with Jason Patrick and others in Harney County near the Hammond Ranch. One of Payne’s teams had to pull out because they were not equipped for the winter conditions in Oregon; however, Payne believes others are on standby to respond quickly to the ranch if needed. He also believes they will be moving into a different facility soon, making winter camping unnecessary. Lack of funding is also a serious issue for the Hammond operation.

Payne believes the crucial militia operation in Oregon will occur around Christmas. He is expecting supplies to arrive from Montana during that time frame, including body armor, firearms, ammunition, night vision, and gear. He also will be expecting more militia associates to start joining him in Oregon around that time.

Despite the challenges presented by weather and lack of resources, Payne is confident that “the time has come,” meaning his much awaited conflict with the government will commence soon. He believes God is bringing this all together perfectly.

Next, we have December 16

On December 16, 2015, Payne contacted CHS to advise that the previous evening’s meeting in Harney County went very well. He was ecstatic, and repeatedly commented that God appeared to be bringing things together very nicely. Payne claims there were approximately 60 people at the meeting, and all were very supportive of the Hammonds. All but one of the people voted to form a Committee of Safety, and seven people were elected to be on that Committee.

Payne seemed pleasantly surprised by the support he received from the people of Harney County, and is having to readjust what he thought would be solely a militia-based effort to protect the Hammonds. He xxxx that it is not necessary for supplies and additional people to be sent to immediately to Harney County xxxx but suggested everyone needed to be ready to respond quickly. He said the militia response would definitely be needed, but just not in the next two weeks.

Payne is turning his efforts toward the Committee of Safety, and the local community rising up to protect the Hammonds on their own. Payne is optimistic that the townspeople may now be able to convince the Hammonds to take a stand against the government, and solicit the help of the militia.

Payne xxxx still was not getting much support from the leaders of the Pacific Patriots Network (PPN), but had received several promises of support from individual PPN members.

The following day, December 17, we have:

On December 17, 2015, Ryan Payne called CHS to request CHS’s support and travel to Burns, Oregon, to provide security for Payne and the Committee of Safety (COS) which had recently been formed in Harney County. Payne indicated that the COS had met for the first time that day, and he had received reliable information that the federal government was planning on trying to arrest Payne and the members of the Committee of Safety within the next few days. Payne requested that CHS travel to Oregon with others to provide a ten-man security detail for Payne and the COS to prevent their arrest. Payne advised that he was also contacting xxxx militia associates, xxxx to ask for their assistance.

Next, we have the first report after the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, on January 4, 2016. It appears that Dyman was involved in soliciting others to participate in the occupation.

Randy Eaton now thinks that it is important to support Ryan Payne’s efforts in Oregon. Eaton was initially against seizure of the refuge building in Oregon, but now believes it is time to support Payne and his associates in Oregon against the feds. Nic Whiting, xxxx would like to go to Oregon to join Payne as well.

Apparently, Dyman recalled an earlier request made by Payne and now includes that in his reporting.

On December 17, 2015. Payne sent CHS a link to a website advertising a Element DBAL-D2 red Dot Aiming Laser with IR LED Illuminator Dark Earth. The features listed for this device indicate it can be placed on a 20 mm rail system, and is capable of Infrared illumination and Night Vision observation. In a text

accompanying the link, Payne said, “Have you seen these? Get 10. Iol”

On January 5, 2016, Payne learns that Dyman is not willing to travel to Burns. Apparently, as with Dennis Dickenson, Payne was led on thinking that Dyman was going to come when the time to act came.

Payne indicated he understood he could not count on CHS, and would pursue some other avenues. Payne xxxx has been conducting operations for over three years, including the Bunkerville matter and what is going on in Oregon, and law enforcement has never messed with him.

On January 11, 2016, Dyman repeats that he will not be going to Oregon. Apparently, Payne finally realized that Dyman was a man of words, not of actions.

CHS told Ryan Payne CHS would not be coming to Oregon to provide supplies, ammunition, and support for Payne’s operation at the wildlife refuge. CHS told Payne CHS was concerned about a recent visit CHS had received from county law enforcement, and the FBI or other officials might attempt to hamper CHS’s travel to Oregon. Payne indicated he understood that he could not count on CHS, and would pursue some other avenues. From several prior conversations, CHS knows that Payne believed CHS might be able to supply body armor, night vision, armor piercing ammunition, rifles, and other equipment. Payne told CHS he has been conducting operations for over three years, including the Bunkerville matter and what is going on in Oregon, and law enforcement has never messed with him.

Payne angrily ended the exchange. CHS understood from Payne’s comments that their relationship is now severed.

Now, to provide a little more background, when I wrote Dennis Dickenson (Dennis Jones, you see that FBI Special Agent Mark D. Seyler is listed on a report. That report is on FBI Form FD-1057. I have done some research and found that the 1057 form is the results from a search of the government database, based on keyword search criteria. It appears that Ryan Payne was probably the search request.

11/04/2015

Drafted By: Mark D. Seyler Case ID: xxxx

Collected From: xxxx Receipt Given?: No

Holding Office: SALT LAKE CITY

Details:

Operation is a militia-related network founded by Ryan Payne and xxxx. xxxx Details concerning OMD’s current status and development can be found in the referenced EC # xxxx. In summary, Payne was the leader of OMD’s precursor organization Operation Mutual Aid, when he helped to instigate the militia response to the Bundy Ranch event in April 2014. He served as Militia Coordinator for the Bundy Family during the standoff against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and is seeking to instigate similar such standoffs against the government through OMD.

The entire 1057 is 6 pages long and gives a detailed account of the workings, and information obtained by Dickenson, of the Operation Mutual Defense (OMD) Advisory Board. The 1023 forms for Dickenson and Dyman are the only two out of the total 15 reports that have this 1057 in them. This ties both parties to OMD, and both had submitted the required applications to OMD.

There can be little doubt that these two were recruited to report on OMD, as well as any other information they could obtained from that association.

Tom Dyman is CHS #9, and is an outside informant.

NOTE: If anybody has a picture of Tom Dyman, I would appreciate being provided a copy so that we all know what this informant looks like.

December 28, 2016, 1:25 pm

Burns Chronicles N0 51

William “Will” Kullman  (Night Hawk)

Gary Hunt

Outpost of Freedom December 28, 2016

Jon Ritzheimer had put out a call for more people to come to the Refuge, shortly after the occupation on January 2, 2016. Many people who supported the effort being made by Ammon Bundy and the others resent that message.

On January 3, Will Kullman contacted Maureen Peltier (SSG Moe). Peltier was one of those who had passed the message on. His first contact with Peltier shows that he was from Lake Stevens, Washington and that he was Founder of “Kullman Combat Organization”.

Some of the text messages indicate his desire to help:

“I wanna come down to Oregon to help. What do I need to bring and when is the best time to come?”

Is there an armed militia that is doing security like we did at Sugar Pine and Bundy? Just wondering if I should bring a weapon.

He then stated that he “had a team ready to go…” And, then asked for a contact for when he got there. However, when he arrived in Burns, he was alone.

He knew that Ritzheimer was a Marine, so he sent the message:

“I will be there to help him. Tell him a fellow Marine is on his way to help him. Tell him I said “Semper Fi.”

On January 6, as he entered Harney County, he relayed messages through Peltier, announcing his approaching the Refuge. At 8:33 PM, he was driving in fog about 16 miles out from the Refuge. Then, at 10:56 pm, he reported to Peltier that he had arrived and that he “just met up with Ryan.” (Not sure if it was Payne or Bundy, as both were present at the time.)

“Semper fi”, short for “semper fidelis”, is the Marine Corps motto, Always faithful — that Marines will always be faithful to the Corps and other Marines. Both Ritzheimer and Kullman were Marines, though Kullman was more than willing to turn against his fellow Marine.

January 7, the day after Kullman arrived, he texted:

“You know there’s only maximum 40 of us here… Not as many as before. Get the word out. They are cutting power to the Refuge.”

Peltier questioned his going public with that sort of information and told Kullman that such information should only come out from the leadership. Peltier was beginning to have questions about Kullman’s assertiveness and assuming the authority to speak for the Refuge.

.

Then, on January 8, in an apparent effort to impress Peltier, he texts:

“Actually, I was just made the team leader of the militia with Jon, so trust my intel when I give it to you.”

Peltier, concerned about what role Kullman is playing, contacted Ritzheimer to explain what Kullman was doing. She indicates to Kullman that she has spoken with Ritzheimer and that he did not want any numbers to be given out. Kullman had been given a leadership position; he replaced Ryan Payne as head of one of the three militia units. The initial militia units were headed by Payne, Ritzheimer, and Varner, as explained in “Burns Chronicles No 40 – Allen Varner (Wolf)“.

The next day, January 9, Kullman is again trying to butter up Peltier, probably realizing that she has concerns about him, texts:

“At the point, with as much media that’s been here, everyone knows. You’re the only person that can get trusted and resourceful information out to the people. I’m sorry that I made you feel like a subordinate, but, the fact remains your ability

to get the word out that we need help is impertinent (?) to the cause. I know we don’t know each other that well, but if Payne, Cooper, the Bundys and even Ritzheimer trust my judgment, maybe you could too, one day. Thanks for what you are doing. Out.”

You can see that he is trying to get closer to Peltier by his praise and his claim that “Payne, Cooper, the Bundys and even Ritzheimer trust” his judgment“. Kullman ended up leaving the Refuge on January 12 or 13.

Thus ended the communication between Kullman and Peltier, until January 26, after LaVoy Finicum was murdered, and all but two of the remaining members of the convoy had been arrested. There was confusion as to whether the Ryan that had been shot was Bundy or Payne. Until subsequent calls were made, and eventually it was established that it was Ryan Bundy, only Mark McConnell and Victoria Sharp knew for sure who it was. So, Kullman crowns his lies with a final effort to endear himself to Peltier, when he sends this message:

“Just got off the phone with a person who was with the people that were arrested, and he was released. Told me what happened to everyone including Payne and Lavoy.”

It was Ryan Bundy, and McConnell knew that. Payne was put with McConnell, Ammon, and Booda, where they sat in the cold until the events down the road, where Ryan Bundy received a wound and LaVoy was killed.

Peltier, however, had had enough of Kullman and refused to answer any texts after the 8th.

Now, let’s venture into Kullman’s role as an informant and what information he provided to the FBI. This information is from the FBI form 1023, “CHS Reporting Documents”. CHS is Confidential Human Source”, or informant, or perhaps, spy. This, “xxxx”, indicates redactions within the paragraph. Those marked “PTM” by me are probably “Private Text Messages”, since time-stamps appear on the reports.

January 7, 2016 – PTM

7: 27 AM: xxxx The whole refuge is under control. The federal worker cabins on sight are being used for shelter and housing for the militia. Hot water, electricity, and hot chow available. Numbers are minimal and most have received very little sleep. Weapons are not required for watch, but are not frowned upon either. They are trying not to make a scene by having them.

2:26 PM: There is a large supply of free food and a lot of donations. CHS is on the inside with JON RITZHEIMER and RYAN PAYNE. CHS has been asked to be a body guard for the BUNDY’s. Right now, there is zero organization and they are in a defensive posture. There are one or two guys on guard. There is a front guard and a back gate guard. The guys also have zero experience as far as training and weapons. There are about 30-40 people and maybe 75% are combatants.

Weapons are staying in vehicles. Most everyone is just carrying a pistol on them. Mostly 5.56, hand guns, and some 7.62 Ak-style rifles. There are some higher calibers, like a couple of .308’s and apparently a .300 Win Mag. There is

consistent talks of taking up arms if LEO/FEDS come onto the refuge and they all seem pretty serious about it. They are going through the property and using what they can use to aid their stay.

2:27 PM: Only a few folks have armor with no QRF, patrolling or legitimate security in place. There is a total complacency for security. These guys don’t have a clue what they are doing.

January 8, 2016– PTM

12:40 PM: There is an older guy, drives a 90’s model Suburban and dressed like a cowboy. He stated that he planned to go to where LEO were and give them a piece of his mind.

1:20 PM: More gun fighters showed up. 8 or 9 of them with AR-15’s, pistols, but no kits yet observed. They are an organized group from southeast Oregon.

2:35 PM: No eyes on, but confirmed through constituents that the Oregon III% and Idaho III% have deployed to the refuge. “Reinforcements” are inbound.

2:43 PM: There is a guy LEO should look into. He is talking about how the way we deal with the problem is to ambush officials and “blow their heads off with shotguns and solve the problem no evidence.” His name is ROBERT HART and he is in his mid-50’s. He’s a lunatic. CHS noted he/she would attempt to get license plate. He drives a green two-door Suburban. He is not associated with these guys and they have made numerous complaints about him already.

January 9, 2016 PTM

11:39 AM: About 20 vehicles with 50+ men from Idaho and Oregon III% and OATH KEEPERS just showed up. Add about another 100 firearms to my original count.

ANDREW BERDOTHA is here now.

2:42 PM: BERDOTHA and that huge convoy of III% left. They are apparently staying in the area, but not at the refuge. BERDOTHA admitted they had been harassing LEO’s out in town. RYAN BUNDY and his bodyguard with a two man security detail are out in BURNS, OR heading to BLM office to screw a sign to the door that says “permanently closed.”

Now, Sheriff Ward, the FBI, Mainstream Media, and many others, claimed that those at the Refuge were harassing the LEOs in Burns. However, Kullman reports that it was Idaho III%, Oregon III%, and OathKeepers that were responsible for the harassing going on in Burns.

No wonder the FBI wanted to hide Kullman and his testimony. Berdotha is an OathKeeper from Bend, Oregon.

3:41 PM: BERDOTHA talked about their group going to the airport to harass you guys (Agent note: “You guys” are meant to be FBI.)

10:08 PM The numbers for during the day and night as permanent personnel stay roughly the same. Maybe +/- 5 people stay out in town, but they are most out of town ranchers or civilians who are in a supportive role. The media never stay overnight. There are roughly 20 “Militia” or “security” combatants on site.

However, there are about 50 people on site and all of them claim to be combatants. But actual personnel who are pulling security and have weapons is about 20. There are around 6 children ages 10 and younger with 2 infants to include AMMON BUNDY’s family who are staying on site. Key players, such as RITZ, PAYNE, the BUNDY’s and COOPER do not stay in town, they stay at the refuge every night.

11:04 PM: If you mess with the refuge (Agent note: referring to LEO), they will be right behind you to take you down.

January 10, 2016 – PTM

9:41 AM: AMMON BUNDY and a small personal security detail are heading south to Fields, OR in one vehicle. There are 5 total personnel and 6 total weapons. They are heading down on the 205 and not using any other routes.

9:48 AM: They are going to Fields, OR to attend a meeting where they will talk with the community about the refuge and what they’re doing. They are traveling in a white, four door, Ford pick-up.

Kullman has been providing tactical information, however, here, he is setting the stage, probably hoping that the FBI will set up a roadblock and take Ammon and the others down. It appears that he is traveling with them, and would probably play hero if there was a roadblock, and arrest Ammon while still in the “white, four door, Ford pick-up“, going south on 205.

11:25 AM: At Fields, OR school house. There are about 50-60 people in attendance including children.

2:22 PM: Group heading back to refuge from Fields, OR.

4:33 PM: Denotes picture of LEQUIEU. (Picture attached to 1A).

5:18 PM: Retired Army General NELSON has arrived and he presented AMMON BUNDY with his bronze star from Iraq. NELSON is here for moral support.

5:46 PM: PAYNE has been pretty stable, mainly dealing with operations politics with the ranchers. He is always with the BUNDY’s, PATRICK, and RITZ. He rarely leaves.

10:02 PM: PAYNE will be leaving soon. He isn’t staying much longer, but plans on returning. PAYNE and RITZ are going to be outside the wire tonight on patrol armed with AR 5.56 and .308 FAL with scope. Unsure of their exact location.

January 11, 2016 – PTM – [It appears that there was two-way texting going on during this session. Case agent is pasting CHS texting, but not his own.]

5:06 AM: CHS reported, ” I asked. He’s working on it.”

5:34 AM: There is no evidence or proof that government computers were used, but it appears that the computers on the refuge appear untouched. Only hard supplies, like paper, printers, and physical supplies were used. The only other

computers here are personal ones. No one appears capable of being able to access the computers via hacking.

10:25 AM: PAYNE is in town on a mail run.

10:29 AM: PAYNE plans to leave for an extended period of time. xxxx

10:34 AM: LEQUIEU confirmed he was a felon today in a debate over gun rights with felons. As far as the other two, one does not have a weapon with him, or on him, and one has expressed he is not allowed to carry one. The other one is no longer on the refuge.

2:36 PM: Someone sent that to RITZ and PAYNE (referring to photo of sexual toy- picture attached.)

2:37 PM: Do you understand how hard it is to control my composure? I’m dying on the inside (referring to aforementioned photo).

5:53 PM: Agents and LEO followed RITZHEIMER? Because that’s what he said. If you did or have Agents hanging out near the refuge, or on any ridge, PAYNE and JASON PATRICK agreed to go full kit and weapon to approach the Agents and surround them to talk. (Agent note: On 01/19/2016, additional details were provided in a follow-up interview). RITZHEIMER believed he was followed while on his way into town on HWY 205. He was on his way to the VERIZON store when 3-4 all white law enforcement vehicles followed him.

What? No threat, simply talk? That’s not what we heard in the courtroom.

5:58 PM: No he was followed into town. Said it was federal VIC’s and LEO that followed him into town.

6:31 PM: You know they ripped down a fence the BLM put up right?

8:18 PM: Two more semi auto .308’s showed up today. An MIA Socom and FAL.

8:58 PM: Unsure of the timing, but the people here are trying to get a lot of money together to make a large purchase of tactical equipment. They want LBV’s, mag pouches, magazines, ammo, optics, holsters, and belts. They want to use the items to distribute to people who came with nothing. Some people are saying they are willing to contribute money to purchase weapons. It’s all talk right now. As far as acting on it, it is unclear when it will happen.

January 12, 2016 – PTM

8:59 AM: It is unclear when, but people at MWR are trying to get a lot of money together to make a large purchase of tactical equipment. They want to buy IBV’s, mag pouches, magazines, ammo, optics, holsters, and belts for people who show- up with nothing. Some people are saying they will contribute money to buy weapons, but it’s all talk right now. Unsure when they will act on it.

2:06 PM: For the past two nights, PAYNE and RITZHEIMER have been out around 11 PM -2 AM looking for federal and local law enforcement officers who may be in

the area on the sides of the roads. They have been taking weapons with them and have been looking for about 2.5 hours to “show a force” to the Agents or LEO’s if they see them. They are usually in the area of 205 MSR.

2:23 PM: Located another shotgun and .300 WIN MAG.

Kullman then left the Refuge. However, he hadn’t ended his role. His Case Agent, shortly before the murder of Lavoy Finicum, who had some questions, contacted him.

January 22, 2016

CHS was asked to identify an individual in a photo. The individual in the attached photo is standing to the left with a black stocking cap on and a desert digital camouflage top. CHS identified the individual as Geoff Stanek who CHS believed was from northwest Oregon. CHS stated that Stanek could also be from southwest Washington. CHS stated that Stanek is a Army combat medic veteran.

CHS was also asked if any of the subjects at the MWR had fired a weapon while at the refuge. CHS stated that the subjects talked about making a rifle range on the property to shoot and practice, but was changed to building one off the refuge and shooting somewhere else. Payne was interested in finding out where the “Feds” had been posting up and set up a rifle range right next to them.

The FBI sought identification of individuals in a photograph, though no indication of the source of the photo. Then, they queried about gun firing on the Refuge, even though the Refuge allows hunting and has no restriction on firearms (See Burns Chronicles No 26 – Firearms Not Allowed). It was just a day later that “John Killman (See Burns Chronicles No 42 – Fabio Minoggio (John Killman)) began firearms training and led the occupiers in to a firing exercise, which the video of became a key piece of the prosecution’s evidence – until Killman testified.

January 25, 2016

CHS reported that Jon Ritzheimer left the Malheur Wildlife Refuge (MWR) last night and plans to be away for approximately a week or so. Payne is still at the MWR and CHS was not aware if Payne intended to ever leave on his own.

January 25, 21016, the day before LaVoy’s death, is the last report that is within the obtained documents.

Kullman demonstrates one of the characteristics of an informant. He tried to ride Peltier as an entrance to the Refuge, hoping that it would be “credentials”, though Peltier made clear that she did not know Kullman. Kullman then lied to Peltier about his role and authority at the Refuge, but he failed, in that effort, too.

When someone starts dropping names, contact those named to see if what is claimed is, in fact, true. Your diligence, in this regard, may save you some grief.

Kullman was an “inside” informant, identified as “CHS #14”.

Prior to publishing this article, I called Kullman. As I began to explain that I was writing

an article about the role he played at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and see if he wanted to see the article and comment, he hung up the phone, in my midsentence.

Burns Chronicles No  55
Marshall Spring & Ben

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
January 23, 2017

Marshall Sawyer Spring served as a Marine in Iraq with one of the defendants. He received a Purple Heart, but his honor stopped there. His and Ben’s betrayal, of patriots and fellow Marines, as informants includes not only informing, but goes well beyond, as you will see.

Spring and his partner, known only as “Ben”, live in Loveland, Colorado. Spring is a “Marshal” appointed such by Bruce Doucette, self-appointed”United States Superior Court Judge”. This would, according to the “appointment”, make Spring’s title “Marshal Marshall Spring”.  Doucette arranged to meet Spring and “Ben” in Burns, to set up a Common Law Grand Jury. Spring and Ben’s visit to Burns coincides with the two FBI form 1023 (CHS Reporting Document) reports, and it is quite apparent that the reports are tracking Doucette as much as they are the events in Burns.

Doucette, on January 14, 2017, confronted Spring with the information I had. Of course, Spring denied that he was an informant, however, even though a subsequent meeting was scheduled, it seems that Spring has given up his phone, as it is no longer in service.

Efforts to contact “Ben” have been futile, and even his last name is unknown. He had red hair and was around the Refuge by January 12 until,
at least, January 15, 2016. He was about 5′ 7″ or 5′ 8″ and weighed about 175 pounds. He sported a Fu Manchu goatee and moustache.

Whether Spring or Ben filed the respective reports is unknown. However, by some of the information contained within the reports, it appears that Spring is CHS #12.

*January 12, 2016*

[heavily redacted]

Later in the day, Doucette met other individuals involved with the  standoff including Pete Santillli and Joseph O’Shaughnessy aka “Captain O”. O’Shaughnessy claims to be part of a militia group from Arizona and part of the Pacific Patriot Network. O’Shaughnessy is attempting to get a helicopter to come to the area to conduct counter surveillance. O’Shaughnessy does not like how the holding of the refuge compound is being handled. He believes that a very limited number of Federal Agents could take back the refuge.

Doucette also met with individuals that claim to be part of the press covering the standoff named Mike LNU of the TVOI News Network, Vicki Davis, Chuck Greenwood, telephone: [omitted]and Tim Davis. Mike LNU says they have a “brother” in the Sheriff’s Department and if this comes to a fire fight it will be between the cops.

Doucette’s plan in Burns is to convene two common law grand juries in the area. A common law grand jury consists of 25 jurors and 1 Grand Jury administrator. It takes 25 jurors to indict and 12 to decide on a presented case. The starting point of forming a grand jury will be to discuss the idea with the Safety Committee [Harney County Committee of Safety] on Friday at a party that is planned to take place in town. Roger with the Grand Jury in Florida is assisting remotely with writing all of Bruce Doucette’s decisions and indictments.

Doucette believes that if Bundy gets what he wants (return of the land to the ranchers) that in 6 months it will be taken back by the Federal Government. Accordingly, Doucette stated that, “we can’t leave here until a new Sheriff has been appointed and a new government is installed.” Doucette believes that a sheriff can be appointed because the current sheriff, his department and local government are all corrupt.

*January 13, 2016***

On the afternoon of 1/13/2016, Bruce Doucette met with Ammon Bundy, Ryan Payne and Jon LNU. Jon LNU is a former marine that drives a silver F-150 with a “rogue infidel” bumper sticker. The purpose of the meeting was for Doucette and the other three individuals to see if they were all on the same page regarding the refuge stand off. At the conclusion of the meeting, Doucette and his bodyguards were invited to move onto the refuge. Doucette’s group returned to their hotel and started packing their gear.

While he is in town, Doucette attempts to engage local residents and persuade them that what the individuals occupying the refuge are doing is just. Doucette had some success in this regard.

The individuals occupying the refuge appear to have plenty of provisions and are in good spirits. The group has no intention of leaving the refuge until the Hammonds are released and ownership of the refuge is turned over from the Federal Government.

The occupation leadership’s plan moving forward is to try and duplicate the occupation at another federal facility in another county. The Payne is in contact with a local Sheriff in another county that is friendly to their cause. This county would be the likely location of the next facility. Payne will be meeting with the friendly Sheriff again in the near future.

Doucette is going to provide Payne with copies of some of the legal process he created in the past. Payne will review these documents and
determine if Doucette methodology meets with his approval. (Please note: Doucette’s legal process is all fictitious).

Yes, even though Spring appears to be a follower of Doucette, that comment was included in the report. This is suggestive of the fact that Doucette is Spring’s assigned target, and that the Refuge incident is simply a target of opportunity.

*January 15, 2016***

Reporting from [redacted] on *1/14/2016* at 1:30 PCT The meeting being held by the Pacific Patriot Network on Friday, 1/15/16
will be attended by Bruce Doucette, and Joe O’Shaughnessy.

Bruce Doucette’s invitation to Grant County was allegedly made by the town’s people.

The occupants of the refuge are considering targets in Grant County and Mahler County for their next occupations. The number of people at the refuge is approximately 10 Women and 30 men 24 hours a day.

Bruce Doucette occupies a small house called the Coyote Hollow Volunteer Building on the south side centrally located, to the west of the chow call.

Reporting from [redacted] on *1/14/2016* at 8:15 PCT

Some of the occupants of the refuge attended a meeting in town tonight at a private residence with members of the public. The general consensus of the public at the conclusion of the meeting was favorable of the militia groups. The refuge occupants left the meeting in a hurry because there was a report of three white SUV’s approaching the refuge.

Occupants of the refuge are reinforcing the town with four foot land fence posts. They are also reinforcing the gate with fire trucks, fire hose and calops.

So, we can see the detail of the goings on at the Refuge as well as some tactical information. One word, if spelled correctly in the report, is “calops”.  If anybody has an idea what “calops” means, that information would be appreciated.

Red-haired “Ben” has evaded identification, though, hopefully, someone can help to fill in these gaps. Apparently, Ben and Spring have tried to start a business that utilizes waste from medical marijuana processing to develop a going business.

These are probably Ben’s CHS #8 reports

*January 14, 2016 – Ben*

The CHS advised that Ryan Payne was out well into the morning of 1/14/2016 attempting to locate pole cameras on the roads near the refuge. Payne still planned to destroy the cameras, but the prior sense of urgency is not present. It was unclear of who would actually destroy the equipment, and further speculated that Payne would likely ask someone else to conduct the act to avoid any illegal activity on his part.

Payne and Ammon Bundy (Ammon) seemed to have bonded on a spiritual level. They both claim to be had visions from a higher power to support their actions in this matter and feel their current actions are based on direction from God. The fact that Ammon is Mormon and Payne is a Jewish Kabalist seems to have no ill effect on their relationship. Payne and Ammon appear to be interchangeable in the role of leaders of the others involved in the standoff. Payne and Ammon seem to complement each other in their dealings with those involved under them. Payne espoused a religious type view of the current event and their participation as
being just the thoughts in the mind of a higher power. Given the fact that Payne and Ammon feel they are acting in the will of God, they seem to not be concerned if they live or die in this matter. The CHS speculated that if Payne and Ammon were removed, the group would fold due to a lack of leadership. Jon Rizheimer is not the type of leadership material to be able to control the group in the event Payne and Ammon were removed.

The current standoff has been planned by Amon and Payne since late November of 2015. They were not aware of the Hammond conflict but planned for the takeover and standoff for the next event that satisfied their agenda. Ammon stated that the ideal number of personnel within the refuge was 75. The group expects the number within the facility to expand to 75 over the weekend of 1/16/2016. There is general talk of taking over a second location north of Burns, Oregon near Grant County or northern Malheur County. No specific plan for a location has been announced, nor has any time frame been provided. Speculation within the
refuge was that if they were to take over a second facility that would happen over the weekend.

Ammon further told the group that he planned to hold the standoff until the Spring comes so he can have the group provide security for his transfer of the family cattle into the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) range. Ammon is afraid the BLM will take the cattle if militia security is not present.

There does not appear to be any intention of or attempts to provide disinformation to the members within the compound or the outside world on the part of Payne or Ammon. All of the information appears to be somewhat compartmentalized for dissemination to the members within the refuge.

The members of the group had a strong negative reaction to having been denied access to the fairground for an event that had been scheduled for 1/15/2016.

The CHS was not aware of any overt cache of weapons, but had not seen all areas of the facility to date. The food pantry is located near the back gate in the fire bunkhouse. That location is also where the majority of the members are sleeping. Payne, Ritzheimer and others are bunking in the building furthest away from the hill. Ammon sleeps in the office.

Meals are served military style at 7:00 am, noon and 7:00 pm. They are cooked by 5-6 women and are typical meals rather than dehydrated or field type rations. There is no shortage of food. Requests for food are routinely dropped off. Donations are being provided by those coming into the facility and from unidentified individuals from the outside. It is unclear how much actual cash is on hand but Ammon seems to control it and have no shortage.

*January 15, 2016***

The CHS was aware of meeting that took place on the evening of 1/14/2016 at a residence near the refuge. The home was located nearest to the intersection of highways 78 and 205. The meeting was attended by several local ranchers, Bruce Doucette and Jon Ritzheimer. Ryan Payne and Ammon Bundy were not present for the meeting. The local ranchers, Doucette and Ritzheimer spoke to the group. The ranchers expressed anger that the fairground had been denied for their use from their standpoint of being members of Harney County. They felt the issue at hand was being filtered by the media and the government and wanted to get the sides out to the public straight from the sources. The ranchers were encouraged by the militia to cut the locks and access the facility. The second alternative for today’s meeting was to invite all of Harney County onto the refuge for the meeting. The firehouse was being cleaned out for the meeting place on the refuge.

Payne has expressed that he feels the local ranchers are in support of the occupation and the militia because they may have access to a “land grab” if the federal government concedes and gives the land back to the state. He (Payne) believes the ranchers are supportive of the occupation for purely personal gain. Ammon has requested transport back to his residence near Boise, Idaho. The plan is to depart the Burns area at approximately 12:30 pm local. There are reported to be three vehicles carrying Ammon and others, including 3% members for Ammon’s security. Ammon planned to handle family matters and potentially return to Burns on Sunday or Monday. The travel for Ammon was delayed until approximately 3:30 pm.

At approximately 1:55 pm, the CHS advised that a group was gearing up to go and destroy what they thought was a pole camera outside of the refuge.

That concludes what are probably Ben’s reports, since they both left the Refuge on either Friday, January 15, or Saturday, January 16, 2016. However, they were to return shortly after LaVoy Finicum was murdered on the side of Highway 395.

Bruce Doucette, being concerned for the safety of the “grand jurors”, contacted Marshal Spring and arranged for him to go back to Oregon to provide protection for the “grand jurors”. He gave Spring $5,000.00 cash to cover the expense of that task.

Spring decided to include Darryl Thorn among those he would “protect”. He arranged for Thorn to stay in room 203, at the Super Eight Motel in Redmond, Oregon. Spring paid the motel bill, gave Thorn gift meal cards for a restaurant, and some cash. This kept Thorn away from his home, and in a place much safer for the FBI to make an arrest.

February 10, FBI confirmed with desk clerk that Thorn was, in fact, still staying at the Motel. On February 12, a number of officers entered the hallway on both sides of room 203, knocked on the door, and arrested Darryl Thorn based upon the Superseding Indictment.

That day, February 12, 2016, was a clean sweep for the FBI. Jeff Banta, David Fry, Sean Anderson, Sandy Anderson, Geoffery Stanek, and Darryl Thorn were all arrested and then  transported to Portland.

In an interview with Darryl Thorn, only Spring and Ben knew exactly where Thorn was staying. Well, and the FBI.

In an effort to contact Spring, I found that his phone had been “changed, disconnected, or no longer in service”. This is indicative of the expected reaction after Doucette confronted Spring.