Opinion ID: 149122
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Government's Burden of Persuasion to Show Dangerousness

Text: The charges here are undeniably serious. The seditious-conspiracy and weapons of mass destruction charges arise from the defendants' plot to kill law-enforcement officers in a particularly heinous manner: by first killing a single officer and then placing improvised-explosive devices (IEDs) along the path of his funeral procession. The purpose of the planned attack was apparently to weaken the officers' morale and to spark a revolution against the government. The firearm charges relate to various training sessions, during which defendants allegedly prepared for the upcoming revolution. Thus, these charges, on their face, indicate a strong threat to society. [6] Compare Mercedes, 254 F.3d at 437 (the crime of conspiracy to commit armed robbery of a drug dealer ... weighs heavily against release). In terms of dangerousness, Congress also thought it was especially significant if the charges include a crime of violence,... a Federal crime of terrorism, ... or involve[ ] a ... firearm, explosive, or destructive device. 18 U.S.C. § 3142(g)(1). The charges here possess those elements. The seditious-conspiracy and weapons of mass destruction charges are each crimes of violence; the weapons of mass destruction charge involves explosives; and the firearms charges, naturally, involve firearms. The weapons of mass destruction charge also likely qualifies as a Federal crime of terrorism. See 18 U.S.C. § 2332b(g)(5)(A) (defining that phrase as including a violation of the weapons of mass destruction statute, if the violation is calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, or to retaliate against government conduct). As the district court (under)stated, this factor ... weighs in favor of detention. (Dist. Ct. Op. at 12.) [7] As discussed in some detail below, each defendant here has a demonstrated interest in committing actual, physical violence against law enforcement and several have shown a lack of concern about the likelihood of killing civilians, through the use of weapons of mass destruction, firearms, and other means. Thus, the nature and circumstances of the charges against all defendants weigh in favor of detention.
This factor goes to the weight of the evidence of dangerousness, not the weight of the evidence of the defendant's guilt. See Hazime, 762 F.2d at 37 (noting that the weight of evidence against the person deals with the factors to be considered in determining whether there are conditions which will assure the appearance of the accused and safety of the community); see also United States v. Gebro, 948 F.2d 1118, 1121 (9th Cir.1991) (Section 3142(g) neither requires nor permits a pretrial determination of guilt). At the bail hearings before the magistrate and before the district court, the government introduced evidence in the form of transcripts of conversations among defendants before the undercover FBI agent, lists of the items seized at defendants' homes (including weapons, [8] bomb-making implements, and military rations), and proffer of what the undercover FBI agent would testify to at trial. When the district court ordered that the government present a witness who could be cross-examined, the government brought forth an FBI agent with little or no firsthand knowledge of the events. However, conducting a bail hearing by proffer is acceptable under the law and at the discretion of the district court. See United States v. Webb, 238 F.3d 426 (table), 2000 WL 1721060, at  (6th Cir. 2000) ([T]the government may proceed in a detention hearing by proffer or hearsay.); see also United States v. Smith, 79 F.3d 1208, 1210 (D.C.Cir.1996) (Every circuit to have considered the matter ... [has] permitted the Government to proceed by way of proffer.). Thus, we will examine the evidence before the district court to determine how convincing the government's evidence of dangerousness is.
When Stone's home was searched, the FBI found at least 37 firearms, ammunition for the seized weapons, and military gear and uniforms. The FBI also found components for IEDs, including threaded pipes, shrapnel, electronic matches, cannon fuse, and explosive powder. He led seventeen training sessions and events for the Hutaree, as its leader, between September 2008 and March 2010, including those at which explosive devices were demonstrated. When making plans for the real op, David Stone stated that any member of the team who encountered a civilian while on the mission was to handle it as a hostile situation. That means you put them on the ground. Either putting bullets in them, or if they just willingly get down on the ground, and let you leave the area peacefully, great. (R. 157.) He went on to note that Putting bullets through bodies ain't an easy thing, but hey you do it a couple of times it don't bother ya. ( Id. ) He also instructed the Hutaree to wipe down all bullets and casings that they were bringing on the mission. This evidence weighs strongly in favor of dangerousness.
After Joshua Stone heard that his eight co-defendants had been arrested, he sought weapons, sought cash, sought vehicles, [and] sought to arm himself and other Hutaree members who rallied around him[.] (R. 85 at 67.) He then engaged in an armed stand-off with federal agents for two days. He ultimately surrendered without incident, but only after his wife and step-mother made a video asking him to come out peacefully. ( Id. at 72.) Aside from surrender, his actions were consistent with the Hutaree's 10-step protocol for resisting the government; Joshua Stone simply failed to execute the last step, known as Point of No Return. (R. 157 at 23.) Joshua Stone also demonstrated his dangerousness through his role as second-in-command of the Hutaree. In planning the real op, Joshua Stone told his patrol squad, don't be afraid to pull the trigger on anybody, if we have to, and welcome to ... being in the business of shooting people. (Gov't App'x at 57.) This evidence weighs strongly in favor of dangerousness.
When Meeks' home was searched, the FBI found 16 long guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition, in addition to substantial food stockpiles and gas masks. He had been tasked to get component materials for IEDs, though no explosive devices were found in his home. He has spoken frequently about different ways to kill police officers, owns five semi-automatic weapons and has stated that he has a thousand tracer rounds for his AR-15 that he would be doling [ ] out to the Hutaree. He voiced plans to die by copicide, which he has explained means killing a law enforcement officer while dying at the hands of another officer. On a single day in June 2009, Meeks suggested blowing up a local bridge when the enemy came; he discussed capping a member of law enforcement and seizing that person's weapons; and he stated that members of Congress think they're different but [w]ait until they found out that they bleed exactly the same. (R. 87 at 8.) Meeks also declared: We got to start over man. We got to get rid of the judicial system, everybody. They need to die. ( Id. ) In February 2010, another Hutaree member suggested killing a judge, and Meeks chimed in: I'm lookin' at enough people right here to take out virtually anybody. And I mean virtually anybody. You just got to be motivated enough to go do it. (Gov't App'x at 52.) This evidence weighs strongly in favor of dangerousness.
When Piatek's home was searched, the government seized, among other things, 46 firearms, 13,000 rounds of ammunition, smoke grenades, a ballistic vest and helmet, a cross-bow, and a CD regarding explosives. (R. 91 at 29-35.) During a trip with several Hutaree members to a Kentucky militia conference, after David Stone guaranteed that he would pop a police officer, Piatek then expressed his own hatred for law enforcement. ( Id. at 25); see United States v. Gomez-Fernandez, 198 F.3d 259 (table), 1999 WL 992985, at  (10th Cir.1999) (a single threat to a police officer is sufficient to show a danger to the community). This evidence weighs strongly in favor of dangerousness.
The government has proffered that Clough knows how to construct trip-wire detection systems, and he was likely responsible for one used during the Hutaree's training. (R. 157 at 10-11, R. 85 at 80.) Moreover, Clough's own statements reflect a desire to kill federal officials. Upon seeing a list of federal judges, elected officials, business leaders and educational leaders, Clough remarked that it looked like a ready-made hit list for the Hutaree. (R. 85 at 27-28.) Clough also posted, on a militia website, a message promoting violence against ATF agents: ATF Agents were at our local [firearms dealer] today looking for all paperwork specifically relating to our commander.... We have and will return fire. The question is, will you? Hutaree.com. ( Id. at 13.) This evidence weighs strongly in favor of dangerousness.
While the district court did not make findings as to the dangerousness of the defendants, the court did make findings as to defendants' individual histories and characteristics. While only Piatek and Meeks have prior criminal histories, courts have never required a prior criminal record before ordering detention. See Rodriguez, 950 F.2d at 89 (Although a prior record of violence eases the government's burden of showing dangerousness, it is not essential.).
The district court made the following factual findings about this defendant: David Stone is 45-years-old, and is married to co-Defendant Tina Stone. He is the father of four adult children. David Stone worked at Performance Engineering in Adrian, Michigan from July 2007 until July 2008. In 2008, he worked for a few months at Iott Farms in Petersburg, Michigan. He currently works as a Forklift Driver for Demlow Products in Clayton, Michigan. He does not have any physical or mental health problems. He does not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. The results of his drug test were negative. David Stone has no criminal history. (Dist. Ct. Op. at 25). Thus, this factor weighs slightly against dangerousness.
The district court made the following factual findings about this defendant: Joshua Stone is 21-years-old, and is married to Shannon Stone (Shannon had some involvement in the Hutaree). Shannon indicated that Joshua Stone helped her graduate from high school, and she wants to help Joshua Stone get his GED. Shannon also wants to help Joshua Stone get out of the militia mess. Joshua Stone has seasonal employment. Joshua Stone does not have any physical or mental health problems. He does not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. He has no criminal history. (Dist. Ct. Op. at 26). Thus, this factor weighs slightly against dangerousness.
The district court made the following factual findings about this defendant: Meeks is a 40-year-old single man. He does not have children. Meeks attended Washtenaw Community College, earning a paramedic certification. Meeks was in the United States Marines from 1988-1992, including combat service in Desert Storm. Before he was discharged from active duty, he earned a Rifle Expert Badge, a Certificate of Appreciation, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one star, a National Defense Service Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Southwest Asia Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Meritorious Mast, and a Kuwait Liberation Medal. Meeks works as a truck driver for Interactive Metals in Adrian, Michigan (his driving is confined to a two-hour radius around the City of Adrian). Meeks' employer, Matthew Anderson, describes Meeks as a valuable part of our business team, and dedicated, hard-working and very loyal as an employee. According to Mr. Anderson, It would be a great disappointment for us to lose [Meeks]. At the bond review hearing, the Government stated that David Stone allegedly asked Meeks to obtain metal pieces for IEDs. However, no evidence was presented that Meeks actually obtained metal from his employer. Meeks' mother, Sylvia Meeks, testified at the bond review hearing and indicated that Meeks uses her address for mail, instead of listing his address with the United States Postal Service, because it is more convenient for Meeks to get his mail when he visits his parents. Although Meeks has not lived at the address listed on his driver's license for over five years, Meeks says he provided the agents his current address when he was arrested on these charges. Meeks proffered a newspaper article that says he helped search for two missing citizens with the Bridgewater Township Officers. Meeks does not have any physical or mental problems. He does not use drugs, but his mother believes he drinks alcohol to excess. Meeks has a misdemeanor conviction from 1997 for drunk driving. (Dist. Ct. Op. at 27-28). Thus, this factor weighs slightly against dangerousness.
The district court made the following factual findings about this defendant: Piatek is a 47-year-old single man. He has a 25-year-old daughter and two grand daughters, whom he helps support. Piatek has worked as a truck driver for Meyer Industrial Container in Chicago, Illinois for 17 years. Piatek is the primary caregiver for his special needs brother, participates in the Fourth of July parade, and is an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police. People describe Piatek as a down-to-earth person, someone who would help anybody, someone who does not engage in aggressive behavior or any kind of violence, someone who goes to work every day, and someone who would probably be the first one to render aid [if there was somebody hurt]. Piatek does not have any physical or mental health problems. He does not use drugs or drink alcohol. His urinalysis results were negative. In 1990, Piatek was charged with Aggravated Assault and Driving on a Median. Piatek successfully completed one year of supervision, and the case was dismissed. (Dist. Ct. Op. at 28-29). Also before the court, but not mentioned in its opinion, is the government's evidence that Piatek's former girl-friend made a police report on February 26, 2010, indicating that she was afraid of him because he had recently taken a gun from behind the driver's seat of his vehicle and said, while in the process of loading the weapon, If you ever break up with me ... I'll pop you. Additionally, in early March, upon learning that she was pregnant with his child, Piatek said that she would never see her 20-year-old son get married if she went through with the pregnancy. (Gov't Letter Br. at 8-9.) Thus, this factor weighs in favor of dangerousness.
The district court made the following factual findings about this defendant: Clough is a 28-year-old single man who lives with his parents. Clough was a self-employed videographer for nine years before he became a security guard at a shopping mall in Adrian, Michigan (he may no longer have this job due to his arrest on these charges). Clough does not have any physical or mental health problems. He does not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. Clough has no criminal history. (Dist. Ct. Op. at 27). Thus, this factor weighs slightly against dangerousness.

The evidence proffered at the detention hearing tended to show that David Stone conducted a number of trainings that involved explosives and trip-wire devices. He knows how to construct them and was at least interested in learning about their construction and use before the federal agent intervened. He had a hit list of government employees, an extensive arsenal of weapons in his home, and a number of items used in the construction of explosive devices were found in his home. He made repeated threats against federal and judicial employees and was involved in planning a real op in which he planned to kill law enforcement officers and civilians. Thus, this factor weighs in favor of finding that David Stone would pose a serious danger to the community if released. Viewing all of the factors together, we conclude that, as to David Stone, Sr., no conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community.
Joshua Stone already demonstrated his willingness to evade the police; after hearing about the arrests of other Hutaree members, he engaged in a two-day armed standoff with police before surrendering peacefully. He attempted to obtain weapons and cash from other members of the Hutaree and militia members. As second-in-command of the Hutaree, he planned the real op, made threatening statements regarding law enforcement officers, and made statements planning the death of civilians that got in the way. Thus, this factor weighs in favor of finding that Joshua Stone would pose a serious danger to the community if released. Viewing all of the factors together, we conclude that, as to Joshua Stone, no conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community.
Meeks made a number of statements evincing an interest in killing judges and law enforcement officers, in addition to civilians. Furthermore, authorities found a substantial arsenal of weapons, including 1000 tracer rounds, at his home. That type of weapons cache, combined with repeated statements about killing judges and law-enforcement officers, supports a finding of dangerousness. Moreover, his stated desire to die by copicide demonstrates an unacceptable risk that, if Meeks knows when the police are coming to bring him in, he might take some action. Thus, this factor weighs in favor of dangerousness. Viewing all of the factors together, we conclude that, as to Michael Meeks, no conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community.
Piatek was heavily involved with the Hutaree, made a statement in favor of killing agents/civilians, and possessed a substantial arsenal of weapons. Moreover, he has made statements indicating a violent intent toward his girlfriend, which we may consider as evidence of dangerousness although it does not relate to the offenses charged. See United States v. Quartermaine, 913 F.2d 910, 917 (11th Cir.1990) ([W]e reject Quartermaine's suggestion that his acts of `domestic' violence do not support a finding of dangerousness to the community. A willingness to strike loved ones offers probative evidence of a tendency to violence and dangerousness toward others). Thus, this factor weighs in favor of dangerousness. Viewing all of the factors together, we conclude that, as to Thomas Piatek, no conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community.
Clough knows how to construct trip-wire detection systems, and he was likely responsible for one used during the Hutaree's training. This knowledge, coupled with his stated interest in killing federal agents and his posting on the Hutaree website that he will return fire, demonstrates that Clough is a danger to society. Thus, this factor weighs in favor of dangerousness. Viewing all of the factors together, we conclude that, as to Joshua Clough, no conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of the community.