2 ‘Freemen’ Arraigned, Plead Not Guilty to Fraud, Robbery

Two members of the anti-government “freemen” group were arraigned Friday as efforts continued to resolve peacefully the 19-day-old standoff at a Montana ranch.

Security was tight as a mother and son who had surrendered to FBI agents Thursday appeared in U.S. District Court and pleaded not guilty to indictments on 51 counts, including mail fraud, armed robbery, manufacturing bogus checks and money orders and obtaining property and money through false statements.

Other court appearances by freemen have been disrupted by the group, which does not recognize the courts or the federal government. But Agnes B. and Ebert W. Stanton were respectful and polite, and there were no outbursts at their arraignment.

U.S. Magistrate Richard Anderson ordered both defendants to appear at another hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

Ebert Stanton, 23, was ordered held without bond. His mother, Agnes, 51, was released on her own recognizance into the custody of another son in Billings. She was ordered to wear an electronic monitor 24 hours a day and to have no contact with any alleged co-conspirators.

The freemen reject government authority, refuse to pay taxes and adhere to beliefs of white supremacy.

A dozen freemen at the ranch outside Jordan have been charged with bank fraud and conspiracy for allegedly issuing bogus checks and money orders that cost businesses and public agencies $1.8 million. Other members of the group are also charged with threatening government officials.

Agnes Stanton’s husband, William, is serving a 10-year prison term for fraud.

About 20 people remain holed up on the 960-acre ranch, surrounded by FBI agents. Two of the group’s leaders were arrested March 25, when the standoff began, and a third surrendered later, but the FBI is conducting a low-profile siege, seeking to avoid a violent confrontation.

U.S. Atty. Sherry Matteucci told reporters the Stantons’ surrender might be a sign that the group’s resolve is crumbling.