Browns’ helpers on witness list
Randy Weaver, the Ruby Ridge survivor who visited Ed and Elaine Brown in June 2007, and Danny Riley, the supporter who was recently sentenced to 36 years in prison for helping the couple amass weapons, are among the names on recently published witness lists for the couple’s trial for weapons possession and obstruction of justice, scheduled to begin next week.
The Browns were charged in January for their conduct during a nearly nine-month standoff with federal agents at their castle-like Plainfield home.
The couple were convicted of tax-related offenses in January 2007 but avoided capture by stockpiling food and weapons, entertaining guests, and issuing repeated threats against federal officials.
When they were ultimately arrested during an undercover operation in October 2007, investigators found dozens of improvised explosive devices and rifles and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The couple are now accused of a combined 11 felonies, including obstruction of justice, failure to appear in court and conspiracy to impede federal officials. If convicted of the most serious charge, for possessing “destructive devices,” the Browns face mandatory minimum sentences of 30 years in prison.
Riley appears on the government’s witness list, suggesting that he will testify against his former mentors. He was found guilty of several felonies last year, including a destructive device charge, and did not testify at his criminal trial last year.
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