Hutaree militiaman gets guns back

[lostinblue 1,989]

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/iteam&id=8727214

July 6, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- After more than two years in a federal evidence vault, Thomas Piatek's personal arsenal is scheduled to be returned to him on Friday by the same government that said he planned to use them in a violent rebellion.

Piatek, who was acquitted in March of charges that he six other Hutaree militia members were plotting an armed revolt against the government, will be getting back 41 guns, 100,000 rounds of ammunition and the accouterments of combat according to his attorney.

The arsenal was seized from Piatek's home in Whiting, Indiana in 2009 when he was arrested during a well-publicized federal takedown of the Christian militia group. The raids were conducted in southern Michigan and northwest Indiana. Piatek had been held in jail since then with prosecutors saying he was a danger to the community.

A federal judge in March acquitted seven Hutaree members of all conspiracy charges, concluding the government didn't have enough evidence that the group plotted a violent uprising that included killing a police officer and bombing a funeral.

When Piatek was released from federal custody in Detroit he made no public statements. In his first known comment on the case, Piatek pooh-poohs the prosecution, stating on his Facebook page that "This whole case was, as my Ma used to say: sh-- for the birds."

One photograph displayed on the Facebook site shows Piatek hoisting a "Gadsden flag" that proclaims "Don't Tread on Me." The historical, bright yellow flag adorned with a snake has seen a surge in popularity and represents a commitment to individual freedoms.

There are other photos that show Piatek leaving court after his acquittal.

The return of Piatek's pistols, shotguns and rifles-including an AK-47-ammo, body armor and commando togs, follows a stinging loss for federal authorities in Detroit who had brought the case.

Other defendants in the case have already received their previously confiscated weapons however Piatek's collection was by far the largest. On several occasions since his release the I-Team attempted to speak with Mr. Piatek. He has declined.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

:thumbs:

It's about time the courts start standing up for citizens rights.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

:thumbs:

It's about time the courts start standing up for citizens rights.

Amen Good for him. We are losing our rights more and more every day. Sounds like another Randy Weaver type Gestapo action.

[Danno 1,228]

You can't have too much freedom of speech or too many ways to bear-arms.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

If only the Feds spent as much time, effort, and money busting the real criminals. Hundreds of murders committed in Chicago every year yet the Feds go after this guy.

[slim 1,533]

pistols, shotguns and rifles-including an AK-47-ammo, body armor and commando togs,

Doesn't everyone have this?

If you dont, why not?

[X Factor 1,112]

Doesn't everyone have this?

If you dont, why not?

He isn't too bad - he has just a below average collection

[slim 1,533]

He isn't too bad - he has just a below average collection

I'm not a rich man so it takes me a while to acquire all that stuff. I have a pretty respectable collection though for my age and financial status.

When I talk with folks and we get into how much of my "GDP" is spent on "defense" they wonder how I've been authorized by "congress" (aka my wife) to spend so much. I remind them most weapons and accessories aren't funded through traditional means and sometimes the CIA has to end-around to make a deal.

[natty bumppo 297]

I'm not a rich man so it takes me a while to acquire all that stuff. I have a pretty respectable collection though for my age and financial status.

When I talk with folks and we get into how much of my "GDP" is spent on "defense" they wonder how I've been authorized by "congress" (aka my wife) to spend so much. I remind them most weapons and accessories aren't funded through traditional means and sometimes the CIA has to end-around to make a deal.

and defense expenditures made before congress was in session (pre-wife) do not count ... at least that is the way it works here

[X Factor 1,112]

and defense expenditures made before congress was in session (pre-wife) do not count ... at least that is the way it works here

I'll definitely have to make some adjustments to the pet project allotment of the budget when congress (fiancee) arrives in a few months.

[slim 1,533]

Line items, fells. Earmarks too.

What you have to do is throw in some ammo with each trip to the grocery store. "Yeah, honey. We always buy a box of ammo when we need milk and bread. It's an American custom." Then you add earmarks to major purchases. New washer and dryer? "Sure we can get the good one. There's an AK-47 included in the purchase price."

Congress does it. Why can't you?

[justashooter 430]

He isn't too bad - he has just a below average collection

shoot, i've bought and sold more than 41 gun in the last month. 41 is an arsenal? then i must have an armory.