Republic of Texas Leader, Aide Guilty of Kidnap Plot

Republic of Texas leader Richard McLaren and a top lieutenant were convicted Friday of plotting the abduction of a couple that led to a weeklong armed standoff with authorities.

The jury deliberated about two hours before finding McLaren and Robert Otto guilty of organized criminal activity in the April 27 abduction of Joe and Margaret Ann Rowe.

The abduction at the remote Davis Mountain Resort in west Texas started a standoff with about 300 state troopers and Texas Rangers that ended May 3 when the separatist group agreed to lay down its weapons.

McLaren and Otto could face up to life in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Both say they believe that Texas was illegally annexed by the United States and that the state courts have no jurisdiction over them because they are foreign nationals--the foreign country being the Republic of Texas.

McLaren’s lawyer promised to appeal.

Otto’s attorney, Mike Barclay of Alpine, said he wasn’t surprised by the outcome.

“The animosity against these guys is pretty high,” Barclay said.

Neighbors were satisfied with the convictions.

“It’s high time. We’re quite happy,” said Mike Smelley.

In final arguments, Dist. Atty. Albert Valadez said McLaren and Otto conspired in the kidnapping and were just as responsible as those who actually carried out the abduction.

Defense lawyers said prosecutors presented no evidence to support the charges.

But Assistant Dist. Atty. James Jepson played tapes for the jury in which McLaren is heard to discuss the abduction.

The prosecutor also reminded the jury that Otto told police the abduction was part of a long-standing plan for the defense of what the Republic of Texas group believed to be its embassy.

“Both of these defendants, by their own actions and conduct . . . have told you of their knowledge,” Jepson said.