Opinion ID: 627225
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Arrests and Interviews

Text: In 2006, Stein, Bloom, and Hopfengardner entered into plea agreements with the federal government and agreed to serve as cooperating witnesses. Bloom pled guilty to conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering. He was sentenced to 46 months' imprisonment and ordered to forfeit $3.6 million. Stein pled guilty to conspiracy, bribery, and other charges. He was sentenced to 108 months' imprisonment and ordered to forfeit $3.6 million. Hopfengardner pled guilty to conspiracy and money laundering. He was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment and ordered to forfeit $144,500. As the co-conspirators were negotiating these agreements, the federal authorities also began to investigate Wheeler. In July 2005, FBI Agent Courtland Jones called Wheeler by telephone and asked if he had moved weapons from Fort Bragg to Stein's home. Wheeler answered yes. On the morning of November 30, 2005, Wheeler visited an attorney, and asked what he should do if he were questioned by investigators. His lawyer told him to cooperate with questioning, but to call him if he got stumped. Later that same day, at 1:00 p.m., a group of federal agents including Agent Jones arrived at Wheeler's home. They came upon Wheeler standing in his driveway. Wheeler asked if the agents were there to talk about Stein. Agent Jones answered yes, and other things, reminding Wheeler of their phone conversation. Wheeler informed the agents he had spoken with an attorney, who had instructed him to cooperate but to call if he got stumped. At this point, the agents informed Wheeler he was under arrest, placed him in handcuffs, and directed him to sit in their van. About ten minutes later, the agents removed the handcuffs and gave Wheeler an Advice of Rights form, which he signed. They proceeded to ask him about the weapons from Fort Bragg. Wheeler responded they were in his bedroom closet. At 1:28 p.m., Wheeler signed a form consenting to a search of his residence. The agents searched his home, and recovered many weapons not registered in his name. For about one and a half hours, the agents questioned Wheeler in his kitchen. The interview terminated when Wheeler's daughter came home, and Wheeler was taken to the local sheriff's office. In the car, he requested a phone to call his attorney, and the questioning ceased.