If you've been following the ongoing matter of the misdemeanor weapons misconduct charges against Fairbanks militia leader Schaeffer Cox since hearings began this month, you know it has been unusual. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported that at a recent hearing, Cox argued on his own behalf that Alaska's court system is a for-profit corporation and has no authority over him because he is a "sovereign citizen." He also presented District Judge Patrick Hammers with "criminal papers" and a restraining order issued by "a de jure" court. After the hearing Cox told the News-Miner he's not concerned about jail time: "Worst case, I go to jail for 30 days and educate all the prisoners and leave a screaming bee hive behind me." Also after the hearing, Cox told a trooper that militia members have the Alaska State Troopers "outmanned and outgunned" and "could probably have [them] all dead in one night." Read much, much more from the News-Miner's Dec. 15 report, here. And read the latest, here.
Cox's behavior at the hearing may seem outlandish to one who isn't familiar with the terminology or basis for his claims. But the Anchorage Press features a long story by David Holthouse this week which engages the larger context for Cox's recent actions in court and features experts who say there's a danger for law enforcement officials who don't take threats from "sovereign citizens" seriously. Read it, here.