CLAYTON, Michigan - April 5, 2010 - His rundown doublewide trailer served as a rally point - the primary meeting spot of the Hutaree, a self-described Christian-based militia readying itself for war.
Federal prosecutors say it was there that David Stone, Sr. railed against the government, creating his own vocabulary for the powers he condemned - with terms such as "Elitists In Charge," who he said undermine the Constitution.
The Elitists' foot soldiers were law enforcement officers he called the "Brotherhood," and Stone ordered that bombs be built to slaughter thousands of them, according to the scenario presented by federal prosecutors last week.
Nine members of the Hutaree have been charged with plotting to overthrow the government in a bloody civil war; eight are likely to return to federal court this week to appeal a judge's decision to detain them pending trial.
Stone was the ringleader, prosecutors said, while his 21-year-old son, Joshua Stone, served as second-in-command.
The others jailed while awaiting trial are: Stone's new wife, Tina Stone, 44; his 19-year-old adopted son, David Stone Jr.; Joshua Clough, 28, of Blissfield, Michigan; Kristopher Sickles, 27, of Sandusky, Ohio; Michael Meeks, 40, of Manchester, Michigan; Jacob Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio; and Thomas Piatek, 46, of Whiting, Indiana.
The suspects' lawyers say the clan is merely a group of disgruntled Amerikans arrested for speaking their minds.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Falvey said they plotted to turn talk into action.
"Owning guns is not a crime. Wearing uniforms is not a crime. Training is not a crime," Falvey said. "But when persons with dark hearts and evil intent get together and conspire to oppose by force with firearms and violence the authority of the United States, it is a crime."
