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Document 1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 1 of 4
3:16-CV-01057-MA
COMPLAINT IN REM FOR
FORFEITURE
Page 1
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
Document 1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 2 of 4
I.
This Court has subject matter jurisdiction, in rem jurisdiction, and venue
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 924; 28 U.S.C. 1345, 1355, 1356, and 1395; and 19 U.S.C.
1610.
II.
Defendants, in rem, 50 Firearms and Assorted Ammunition, further
described in the attached Exhibit A (the Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong,
Special Agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation), are now and during the
pendency of this action will be within the jurisdiction of this Court.
III.
Defendants, in rem, 50 Firearms and Assorted Ammunition, were involved in
or used in a conspiracy to impede officers of the United States, in knowing and
willful violation of 18 U.S.C. 372, and are therefore forfeitable to the United
States pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 924(d), as more particularly set forth in the attached
declaration of Special Agent Katherine D. Armstrong, marked as Exhibit A, which
is attached and incorporated herein by this reference.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff, United States of America, prays that due process
issue to enforce the forfeiture of defendants, in rem, 50 Firearms and Assorted
Ammunition; that due notice be given to all interested persons to appear and show
cause why forfeiture of these defendants, in rem, should not be decreed; that due
proceedings be had thereon; that these defendants be forfeited to the United States;
that the plaintiff United States of America be awarded its costs and disbursements
Complaint in rem for Forfeiture
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incurred in this action, and that plaintiff have such other and further relief as is
just and equitable.
Respectfully submitted this 10th day of June 2016.
BILLY J. WILLIAMS
United States Attorney
s/ Katie Lorenz___________
KATHERINE C. LORENZ
Assistant United States Attorney
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VERIFICATION
I, Katherine D. Armstrong, declare, under penalty of perjury, pursuant to the
provisions of 28 U.S.C. 1746, that I am a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI), and that the foregoing Complaint in rem for Forfeiture is made
on the basis of information officially furnished, and upon the basis of such
information the Complaint in rem for Forfeiture is true as I verily believe.
s/ Katherine D. Armstrong
KATHERINE D. ARMSTRONG
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
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have been so employed for approximately two (2) years. I am currently assigned to
the FBIs Portland Division and am part of the violent and organized crime squad.
In 2014, I successfully completed twenty-one (21) weeks of training at the FBI
Academy located in Quantico, Virginia. During that time, I was taught the use and
practical application of various investigative techniques that Federal law
enforcement officers are allowed to employ.
2.
This declaration is made in support of the Complaint in rem for the forfeiture
of 50 firearms and assorted ammunition described below. The facts set forth in this
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 1
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
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Filed 06/10/16
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impede officers of the United States from discharging their duties by force,
intimidation, or threat. Under 18 U.S.C. 924(d), any firearm or ammunition
involved in or used in any violation of any criminal law of the United States is
subject to seizure and forfeiture. As described below, each of the defendants, in
rem, was involved in or used in a conspiracy to impede officers of the United States,
in knowing and willful violation of 18 U.S.C. 372, and is therefore forfeitable to
the United States pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 924(d).
5.
a protest in Burns, Oregon, related to the resentencing of local ranchers Steven and
Dwight Hammond following their criminal convictions by a jury. Following the
protest, certain now-indicted conspirators entered the Malheur National Wildlife
Refuge (MNWR), blocked the entrance, and began an unlawful armed occupation of
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 2
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
Document 1-1
Filed 06/10/16
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several buildings within the MNWR. The MNWR and all buildings located thereon
are federal property and facilities located in Harney County in the District of
Oregon. The armed occupation of the MNWR was continuous and ongoing from
January 2, 2016, until the occupation ended in the morning hours of February 11,
2016.
6.
At the time of the takeover of MNWR, those involved in the initial entry and
occupation (occupiers) carried out the initial clearing of buildings on MNWR while
most were armed with rifles. The individuals cleared the buildings in a tactical
manner while armed. Occupiers also moved MNWR vehicles into positions that
blocked entrances to the MNWR. Occupiers moved heavy equipment in front of at
least one entrance to the MNWR as well.
7.
The MNWR is staffed by employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS). As a result of the armed occupation of the MNWR by the known
conspirators and others, employees of the USFWS who work at the MNWR were
prevented from reporting to work during the occupation because of threats of
violence posed by the defendants and others occupying the property. Sixteen (16)
federal employees work at the MNWR, including one federal law enforcement officer
and a volunteer coordinator who lived on the Refuge before the armed takeover and
works in the visitor center. The MNWR was closed on January 2, 2016, and portions
of the facility that occupiers used remain closed to the public as of the date of this
declaration. Employees were allowed to return to work at the MNWR on or about
February 29, 2016.
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 3
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
8.
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Due to the presence of armed individuals occupying MNWR, and also upon
learning that some of the occupiers supporters were still in the Burns area, the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) made the decision to close the Burns District
Office, located at 28910 Highway 20 West, Hines, Oregon, 97738. The BLM office
was closed during the entire time the MNWR was unlawfully occupied. This action
was taken out of concern for the safety of the approximately 80 employees who work
there.
9.
local, state, and national news media outlets carrying guns on their person.
Occupiers were photographed carrying both long guns and pistols in clearly visible
holsters. The carrying of these weapons was intended as a show of force and
intimidation.
10.
statements concerning the possession of firearms --- including the need for
additional firearms to be brought by additional supporters to MNWR --- so that the
demands they made would be taken seriously, so they could defend themselves if
law enforcement officers engaged with them, and because they were conducting
security patrols of MNWR. Additionally, several armed occupiers stated they would
not leave without their demands being met, and were willing to die at MNWR. For
example, occupier Jon Ritzheimer stated on several social media websites that he
would not be arrested and, I want to die a free man. Ritzheimer made further
video-taped statements such as I am one hundred percent willing to lay my life
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 4
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
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Filed 06/10/16
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down to fight against tyranny in this country, and while addressing his family, said
that no matter what, just know that I stood for something, dont let it be in vain.
Occupiers Blaine Cooper and Jon Ritzheimer posted a video to YouTube on January
4, 2016. In the video, Ritzheimer stated, we need you to get here and stand with us.
More than anything. Whether you are armed or unarmed, you get up here.
11.
In public meetings preceding the takeover, both Ryan Payne and Ammon
during the occupation, Ammon Bundy stated the occupiers were armed because We
are serious about being here. Were serious about defending our rights, and we are
serious about getting some things straightened out. When asked if he anticipated
the occupation would lead to violence, Bundy responded, Only if the government
wants to take it there.
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 5
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
13.
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and posted to YouTube, Jon Ritzheimer stated, last word we got is theyre headed
out here, in reference to the belief the armed occupiers held, that they were going
to be raided by the federal government. Ritzheimer goes on to state, theyre headed
out here, uh, so we are trying to plan and maintain a defensive posture. In the
video, Ritzheimer can be seen carrying what appears to be, based on my training,
experience, and knowledge of firearms, an AR-15 style rifle with a sling.
14.
The armed occupiers would often hold press briefings on MNWR grounds.
armed occupiers conducted security patrols and performed guard duty both in a
watchtower overseeing the MNWR and at front and back entrances to the MNWR.
Patrol and guard duties typically required occupiers to carry either a sidearm or
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 6
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
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Filed 06/10/16
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have access to a long gun. Ryan Payne, along with other unknown unindicted coconspirators, provided guidance to other occupiers concerning tactics, and occupiers
were placed into teams to split up guard shift and patrol duties. When not on
duty, some teams would practice patrol movements. There was firearm training at
the refuge as well, though not all occupiers participated.
16.
On January 26, 2016, at approximately 4:25 p.m., the FBI and the Oregon
State Police began an enforcement action to take into federal custody individuals
involved in the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Shots
were fired during the arrest, and LaVoy Finicum was killed. Ryan Bundy was
injured. The following individuals were taken into custody: Ammon Bundy, Ryan
Payne, Ryan Bundy, Brian Cavalier, and Shawna Cox. During separate events in
the evening of January 26, 2016, Joseph OShaughnessy and Peter Santilli were
taken into custody as well. Jon Ritzheimer was taken into custody in Arizona on the
same day.
17.
Ryan Bundy, Cavalier, Cox, and Santilli were charged by Criminal Complaint with
the felony crime of Conspiracy to Impede Officers of the United States from
discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation, or threats, in
violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 372.
18.
On January 28, 2016, Duane Ehmer, Dylan Anderson, and Jason Patrick
were charged by Criminal Complaint with the felony crime of Conspiracy to Impede
Officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 7
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
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and later indicted by a grand jury, most of whom were armed, worked together with
many additional unindicted actors, both known and unknown, to control federal
property while refusing to leave, intending to impede and prevent by force the
federal officials who worked on and used that property from performing their official
duties. The use and display of firearms was integral to this conspiracy.
Seized Firearms and Ammunition Subject to Forfeiture
20.
After the death of Finicum and arrest of Ammon Bundy and other leaders of
the occupation on January 26, 2016, remaining occupiers of MNWR began to leave
the refuge. By the early morning hours of January 27, 2016, law enforcement
officers had established a series of checkpoints at major roads in and out of MNWR.
Prior to the checkpoints being established, several vehicles left the refuge. Some of
these occupiers may have left with weapons, as they left prior to a later law
enforcement instruction to occupiers to leave MNWR without their weapons.
21.
EXHIBIT A PAGE 8
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
22.
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The occupations ended on February 11, 2016 when the last occupier, David
a.m. The search ended on February 23, 2016 at approximately 2:38 p.m. Consent to
search all MNWR facilities and property was given by Federal Wildlife Officer John
Megan.
24.
vehicles. These vehicles were also searched by FBI agents. Consent to search those
vehicles was also given by Federal Wildlife Officer John Megan.
25.
During the search, the following ammunition was seized from the MNWR
28.
Item Description
One (1) round of ammunition with 04, 75 markings
The following ammunition was seized from the RV Park Day Room (Building
15):
///
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 9
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
29.
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Item Description
Sixteen (16) .223 caliber ammunition rounds, packaged in
container found separately
35
36
Item Description
One (1) unspent rifle ammunition round, 7.62 x 54
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
EXHIBIT A PAGE 10
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
30.
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The following ammunition was seized from the maintenance shop (Building
31.
Item Description
Forty-one (41) unspent rifle rounds, .223 caliber
47
48
49
50
51
52
The following ammunition was seized from the new fire shop (Building 19)
located on MNWR:
Item Group No.
53
32.
Item Description
Three (3) magazines containing ammunition
54
55
56
57
The armed occupiers who stayed on the refuge after January 28, 2016,
created an outdoor encampment on the west side of MNWR. The encampment was
located adjacent to a trench and when searched between the dates of February 15
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 11
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
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Item Description
Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services (DPMS), model
Panther, .223 caliber, serial number FH218222, with shoulder
stock, strap, bipod, tactical grip and Vortex Strikefire scope
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
One (1) white cardboard box sealed and said to contain 250 12gauge shotgun shells
67
One (1) white cardboard box sealed and said to contain 1,000
5.56mm cartridges
68
69
EXHIBIT A PAGE 12
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70
71
72
Ammunition described as: 20 - 22.250 Rem; 27-7.62x39, 700 .22; 8 - 30-30; 40 - 7.62x54; 40 - 45 Auto; 48-9mm
73
74
Ninety (90) shotgun shells, three (3) .223 cartridges, one (1) .45
auto cartridge, and one (1) 30-30
Twenty-seven (27) .223 cartridges
75
76
77
78
79
80
Three (3) magazines (empty) and 156 live rounds, 9mm Luger
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
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88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
Three (3) magazines containing .45 caliber rounds and one (1)
loose, .45 caliber round
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105
One (1) magazine containing .308 caliber rounds and one (1)
loose, .308 caliber round
106
107
108
One (1) magazine containing .223 caliber rounds and one (1)
loose, .223 caliber round
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
Tula Russian SKS rifle, 7.62x39mm, Made in Russia Imported Vermont, serial number 3K8550
EXHIBIT A PAGE 15
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120
121
122
Harrington & Richardson/New England Firearms Gardner, 12gauge, serial number NK268865, with strap
123
124
125
126
One (1) white cardboard box sealed and said to contain: 900
(nine hundred) .223 cartridges; 500 (five hundred) .45 caliber
rounds; 400 (four hundred) 7.62 caliber rounds; 250 (two
hundred-fifty) 9mm rounds; 50 (fifty) .22 caliber rounds; 50
(fifty) .357 caliber rounds
127
One (1) white cardboard box sealed and said to contain: 150
(one hundred-fifty) .223 rounds; 50 (fifty) 22-250 rounds; 50
(fifty) .357 rounds; 60 (sixty) 7.62 rounds; 25 (twenty-five) 3030 rounds; 25 (twenty-five) .38 rounds; 15 (fifteen) .45 rounds
128
129
130
131
132
133
EXHIBIT A PAGE 16
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
33.
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134
135
34.
Item Description
One (1) rifle round, type not provided
137
138
The following ammunition was seized from a fire truck located near the east
blockade on MNWR:
Item Group No.
139
35.
Item Description
One (1) rifle magazine
The following ammunition was seized from the fire bunkhouse (Building 20)
on MNWR:
Item Group No.
140
Item Description
Two (2) rounds of 7.62 x 39 Tulammo (live)
EXHIBIT A PAGE 17
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FOR FORFEITURE
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141
142
One (1) 12-gauge made in USA black color shotgun shell (live)
143
144
One (1) pistol magazine with thirty (30) round capacity, black
in color; loaded with unknown number of live ammunition
with red tip
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
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161
162
One (1) box of Remington 308 WIN x twenty (20) live rounds
of ammunition
163
164
165
166
167
Four (4) live rounds of ammunition: three (3) FC2414 and one
(1) LC15
168
Two (2) live rounds: one (1) LC12 and one (1) .223 Remington
169
One (1) empty Glock 9mm thirty-one (31) round magazine with
spring and bottom plate
170
171
172
173
174
Two (2) live rounds of ammunition: one (1) FC1614 and one (1)
FC0714
175
176
177
EXHIBIT A PAGE 19
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
36.
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Burnsides office (Building 7A) on MNWR. Ms. Burnside had not been in her office
since the occupation began and was present at the time of the search during which
the following items were seized, none of which belonged to her.
Item Group No.
178
Item Description
One (1) unspent round of ammunition, caliber not visible
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
EXHIBIT A PAGE 20
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
37.
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The following ammunition was seized from MNWR employee Linda Becks
office (Building 7B) on MNWR. Ms. Beck had not been in her office since the
occupation began. Ms. Beck assisted the evidence response teams in determining
what items were property of the MNWR. The following items were seized, none of
which belonged to Ms. Beck:
Item Group No.
189
Item Description
Bulk live ammunition Wolf WPA .223 Remington
190
One (1) box .38 Special 147gr Total Metal Jacket and one (1)
loose round
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
One (1) box American Eagle 5.56 X .45mm grain Full Metal
Jacket bullets
201
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202
203
204
205
206
207
One (1) box 12-gauge, 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/8 ounce, 8-shot, target
load shotgun shells
208
One (1) partial box Hornady Zombie Max green tip 40 S&W
165gr bullets
209
210
211
212
213
214
One (1) box 12-gauge, 2 3/4 Dram Eq., 1 1/8 ounce, 8-shot
Target Load, Federal Ammunition
215
///
///
EXHIBIT A PAGE 22
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
38.
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The following ammunition was seized from the boat launch area at MNWR,
Item Description
Seventeen (17) 7.62 caliber shell casings
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
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Complaint In Rem
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39.
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240
241
was located near MNWRs fence line near the field house, on both sides of the fence
line. The fence separated MNWR from a private residence, described as a one-story
green house with white external propane tank:
Item Group No.
242
40.
Item Description
Four (4) .223 caliber shell casings and two (2) 7.62 caliber shell
casings
The following ammunition was seized from the north side of the MNWR main
service road, adjacent to a heavy equipment storage area and two shipping
containers:
Item Group No.
243
41.
Item Description
One (1) .223 caliber shell casing
The following firearms and ammunition were seized from a Dodge Ram truck
EXHIBIT A PAGE 24
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
43.
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Item Description
One (1) Intra-tech, model TEC-DC9, 9mm Luger pistol, serial
number D064235, with strap
245
246
The following ammunition was seized from a Chevrolet Silverado truck with
44.
Item Description
Seven (7) .223 caliber ammunition rounds, all unspent
One (1) army green metal canister with Federal Ammunition
label, containing 420 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm unspent
ammunition
The following ammunition was seized from a Chrysler Town and Country
45.
Item Description
One (1) .223 caliber ammunition, unspent
One (1) box of Remington pistol and revolver cartridges,
containing fifty (50) 9mm rounds
The following ammunition was seized from a Chevrolet Silverado Z71 4x4
Item Description
One (1) .45 caliber live ammunition
Fifty-Eight (58) spent .223 casings and one (1) spent 7.62, M80
casing
EXHIBIT A PAGE 25
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
46.
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253
One (1) evidence sealed box said to contain one (1) green
ammunition can with bag of rifle rounds marked LC 13 on
the headstamps
254
Seven (7) .223 rifle casings and two (2) MKE 14 casings
Item Description
One (1) Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, model SD40VE,
serial number HER5993
256
47.
Indicted co-conspirator Eric Flores was arrested on February 10, 2016, and
gave a post-arrest interview on February 11, 2016. Flores stated he brought almost
all of his guns to MNWR, including one CZ Rami .40 caliber pistol. Flores handed
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
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out his weapons to other occupiers at MNWR. Flores gave fellow occupier Darryl
Thorn two weapons, a Ruger 5.56mm (AR-15) and his CZ Rami pistol. Flores
believed at the time of his arrest that Thorn was still in possession of his Ruger 5.56
and CZ Rami. Thorn wanted to keep them in the event somebody needed a weapon
to loan, or possibly buy.
48.
the lobby of the Super 8 Motel located in Redmond, Oregon. Thorn had been
previously photographed at MNWR during the course of the armed occupation,
often armed with a rifle. Thorn had been shown performing guard tower duty in a
video produced by VICE News while the armed occupation was still ongoing. Upon
Thorns arrest, agents conducted a search of the hotel room he had been staying in
with his girlfriend. Thorns girlfriend rented the hotel room in her name. The
following firearm matching the description Flores gave of the pistol he gave Thorn
was seized from the hotel room:
Item Group No.
257
49.
Item Description
One (1) CZ-USA pistol, .40 caliber, model 2075, serial
number A751986
Flores was arrested at his residence in Tulalip, Washington. Flores had been
previously photographed at MNWR carrying a rifle. Flores was also photographed
in the guard tower while the armed occupation was ongoing. Upon arrest, Flores
gave consent to seize several firearms in his possession. These firearms were
discovered in Flores bedroom. During a post-arrest interview, Flores admitted
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
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travelling to MNWR multiple times and eventually bringing all his firearms with
him to MNWR except for an SKS rifle. Flores loaned out some of his firearms to
individuals occupying MNWR who did not have any. Flores was shown a
photograph taken on MNWR grounds during the armed occupation. Flores was
armed with an AR-15 pistol and Darryl Thorn was holding an AR-15 with drum
magazine. Flores identified himself and further advised the AR-15 pistol and drum
magazine shown in the photograph are the same ones agents retrieved from his
bedroom in his home with his consent following his arrest. Flores stated he, and
others, brought weapons to MNWR to protect themselves. The following firearms
and ammunition were seized from Flores home at the time of his arrest:
Item Group No.
Item Description
258
259
260
261
262
One (1) metal box with seven (7) boxes of 5.56 ammunition,
each box containing three (3) 10-round clips
50.
On February 18, 2016, agents received a firearm from Tulalip Tribal Police
Department. This firearm was seized by Tulalip Tribal Police Department from
Flores cousin by consent earlier that same day. This firearm was also taken to the
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
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Item Description
263
51.
in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kjar was photographed at MNWR on January 6, 2016,
holding a rifle. In an article published on April 13, 2016 by VICE News, a reporter
writes he traveled from MNWR with Kjar and others, going to Utah and later
returning to MNWR to retrieve Kjars belongings before leaving again. The reporter
states Kjar collected his AR-15 from MNWR before leaving the second time. In the
same article, Kjar was photographed carrying a pistol in a holster on his hip,
standing in front of a building on MNWR grounds. Kjar also posted comments to his
Facebook page, including the statement that people needed to come to Oregon and
stand for the Ranchers and citizens of Harney county. On the day of his arrest, FBI
Special Agents conducted a vehicle search of a white Jeep Wrangler and grey race
trailer being towed by an army truck that was owned by Kjar. The following
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 29
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
Document 1-1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 30 of 35
firearms and ammunition were seized from the Jeep and grey trailer:
Item Group No.
264
Item Description
One (1) I.O. Inc rifle, model Sporter 15, .223 caliber, serial
number ARI00418, with light, accessory sights and magpul
grip
265
One (1) Ruger rifle, model 10/22 Takedown, .22 caliber, serial
number 826-83980, with two (2) empty magazines contained in
stock of rifle
266
One (1) Colt rifle, model SP1, .223 caliber, serial number
SP29206, with attached strap
267
One (1) DPMS rifle, model AR-15, .223 caliber, serial number
FFH044398, with attached Vortex spitfire scope
268
269
270
271
272
273
One (1) box containing 425 loose .223 rounds live ammunition
274
275
276
One (1) box containing one (1) clear plastic bag containing 56
spent bullet casings (.223/5.56), and seven (7) magazine covers
EXHIBIT A PAGE 30
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
52.
Document 1-1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 31 of 35
Item Description
Seventy-nine (79) rounds of 9mm ammunition
278
526 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition as follows: ten (1) thirtyround magazines containing 30 rounds each; one (1) twentyround magazine containing seventeen (17) rounds each; one (1)
green in color bandoleer containing 140 rounds; one (1) box
containing 30 rounds; and one (1) ziplock baggie containing 39
rounds
279
280
EXHIBIT A PAGE 31
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
53.
Document 1-1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 32 of 35
During their conversation with Pope, agents learned that Lequieu had
weapons located at the residence of Mary Cross, also in Fallon, Nevada. Agents
accompanied Pope to Crosss residence. Pope identified an AR-15-type rifle as the
one carried by Lequieu at MNWR. This firearm was located in the trunk of a vehicle
on the property along with another firearm. Agents seized the following items from
the trunk:
Item Group No.
281
282
54.
Item Description
One (1) Browning, model Hi-Power 9mm, serial number
245NM32652
One (1) Palmetto State Armory, model PA-15, multi-caliber,
serial number LW068295
in Forest Grove, Oregon. Stanek was photographed at MNWR during the armed
occupation. In one of the photographs, taken by Rob Kerr for Getty Images, Stanek
is standing in a garage at MNWR with what, based on my training and experience,
appears to be a smaller model Glock handgun. Following his arrest, Stanek
consented to FBI Special Agents searching a 2000 blue Dodge Durango. Stanek
owned this vehicle and had been driving it just prior to his arrest. During the
search, the following firearm was seized:
Item Group No.
283
Item Description
One (1) Glock GMBH, 26 Gen 4, .9mm handgun, serial number
XVA150, with loaded 9-round magazine
///
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 32
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
55.
Document 1-1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 33 of 35
remove government cameras from electricity poles. Willingham was later indicted
on one federal charge of theft for stealing government cameras. Prior to the
indictment, on March 16, 2016, Willingham was arrested by the Grant County
Sheriffs Office on charges of disorderly conduct. During the course of the arrest,
officers learned that Willingham was in possession of a rifle. Willingham agreed to
turn the rifle over to the Sheriffs Office. Willingham then took officers to a
residence and showed them the rifle and bullets. Willingham was interviewed after
his arrest and told investigators that prior to leaving MNWR, he took a rifle from
Ryan Paynes truck. Willingham stated the rifle belonged to Payne and Payne had it
when he was in Afghanistan. Willingham described the weapon as an FN .308 rifle.
The following firearm and ammunition was seized from Willingham by the Grant
County Sheriffs Office:
Item Description
One (1) Springfield SAR-4800 Sporter rifle, serial number
SA16479, with Vortex scope, bipod, strap and five (5) empty
magazines
Two hundred twenty-three (223) rifle rounds, consisting of one
hundred seventy-nine (179) .308 Winchester rounds and fortyfour (44) 7.62mm rounds
Conclusion
56.
It is evident from the statements and actions of the armed occupiers that the
open carry, display, and talk of weapons and need to use force if confronted by
federal agents, was done for the purpose of threatening and intimidating federal
Declaration of Katherine D. Armstrong
EXHIBIT A PAGE 33
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
Document 1-1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 34 of 35
officials from discharging their duties. These actions were ongoing and continuous
from the beginning of the armed occupation on January 2, 2016 until the last
individual left MNWR on February 11, 2016.
57.
Given the seizure locations of all the firearms and ammunition discussed in
this declaration, the repeated observed use of firearms by occupiers described above,
the public solicitation by occupiers for additional supporters to come to MNWR and
bring firearms with them, the fact that none of the seized firearms and ammunition
are believed to belong to MNWR employees, and the post-arrest statements of
several occupiers, it is my belief that all of the firearms and ammunition described
in this declaration had been brought to or near MNWR grounds by the indicted and
unindicted occupiers prior to seizure for the purpose of impeding, intimidating, and
threatening federal officers from discharging their duties.
58.
EXHIBIT A PAGE 34
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
Document 1-1
Filed 06/10/16
Page 35 of 35
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1746.
Executed on this 10th day of June 2016.
s/ Katherine D. Armstrong
KATHERINE D. ARMSTRONG
Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
EXHIBIT A PAGE 35
Complaint In Rem
FOR FORFEITURE
Case 3:16-cv-01057-MA
Document 1-2
Filed 06/10/16
Page 1 of 1
The JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, except as provided
by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of initiating
the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REVERSE OF THE FORM.)
I. (a) PLAINTIFFS
United States of America
DEFENDANTS
50 Firearms and Assorted Ammunition, in rem
Multnomah
U.S. Government
Plaintiff
3 Federal Question
(U.S. Government Not a Party)
U.S. Government
Defendant
4 Diversity
Citizen or Subject of a
Foreign Country
Foreign Nation
110 Insurance
120 Marine
130 Miller Act
140 Negotiable Instrument
150 Recovery of Overpayment
& Enforcement of Judgment
151 Medicare Act
152 Recovery of Defaulted
Student Loans
(Excl. Veterans)
153 Recovery of Overpayment
of Veterans Benefits
160 Stockholders Suits
190 Other Contract
195 Contract Product Liability
196 Franchise
REAL PROPERTY
210 Land Condemnation
220 Foreclosure
230 Rent Lease & Ejectment
240 Torts to Land
245 Tort Product Liability
290 All Other Real Property
V. ORIGIN
1 Original
Proceeding
DEF
1
FORFEITURE/PENALTY
PERSONAL INJURY
362 Personal Injury Med. Malpractice
365 Personal Injury Product Liability
368 Asbestos Personal
Injury Product
Liability
PERSONAL PROPERTY
370 Other Fraud
371 Truth in Lending
380 Other Personal
Property Damage
385 Property Damage
Product Liability
PRISONER PETITIONS
510 Motions to Vacate
Sentence
Habeas Corpus:
530 General
535 Death Penalty
540 Mandamus & Other
550 Civil Rights
555 Prison Condition
State Court
BANKRUPTCY
SOCIAL SECURITY
861 HIA (1395ff)
862 Black Lung (923)
863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g))
864 SSID Title XVI
865 RSI (405(g))
FEDERAL TAX SUITS
870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff
or Defendant)
871 IRSThird Party
26 USC 7609
OTHER STATUTES
IMMIGRATION
462 Naturalization Application
463 Habeas Corpus Alien Detainee
465 Other Immigration
Actions
Appeal to District
2 Removed from
610 Agriculture
620 Other Food & Drug
625 Drug Related Seizure
of Property 21 USC 881
630 Liquor Laws
640 R.R. & Truck
650 Airline Regs.
660 Occupational
Safety/Health
690 Other
LABOR
710 Fair Labor Standards
Act
720 Labor/Mgmt. Relations
730 Labor/Mgmt.Reporting
& Disclosure Act
740 Railway Labor Act
790 Other Labor Litigation
791 Empl. Ret. Inc.
Security Act
3 Remanded from
Appellate Court
from
4 Reinstated or 5 Transferred
6 Multidistrict
another district
Reopened
Litigation
(specify)
Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):
from
7 Judge
Magistrate
Judgment
6/10/2016
s/Katie Lorenz
AMOUNT
APPLYING IFP
Submit
JUDGE
Go
MAG. JUDGE