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Tuesday, October 28, 1997

Republic of Texas leaders go on trial defiantly

By EDUARDO MONTES Associated Press Writer

ALPINE, Texas (AP) - Separatist Richard McLaren remained defiant Monday as he went on trial for engaging authorities in an armed standoff, refusing to participate in his own defense and bombarding the judge with objections.

The leader of the Republic of Texas movement was ordered out of the room after protesting that the court had no jurisdiction over him and repeatedly interrupting jury selection.

"The people of this country are fed up with this crap. It's lies, lies, lies," said McLaren, who believes that Texas was never legally annexed by the United States and remains an independent nation.

He said authorities are involved in a conspiracy along with the people he's accused of plotting to kidnap and that his case belongs before a federal court in Washington, D.C.

"I'm sorry. I can't proceed. We can't proceed. We have to object every five seconds," McLaren told state District Judge Kenneth DeHart before being removed for the second time.

The judge had given McLaren several warnings.

Robert Otto, McLaren's chief lieutenant and co-defendant, was also removed after telling DeHart he would have to continue with the "five-second objections" and proceeding to do so.

"That's fine," Otto said as he was ushered out. "I'm not going to participate in fraud and under the color of law."

Both McLaren and Otto have court-appointed attorneys who were in the courtroom Monday, but they have decided to represent themselves.

McLaren and Otto are charged with engaging in organized criminal activity for allegedly plotting to kidnap two neighbors in the Davis Mountains Resort, a rural subdivision 175 miles southeast of El Paso.

The April 27 abduction, carried out by McLaren's Republic followers, sparked the weeklong standoff with nearly 300 state troopers and Texas Rangers who sealed off the resort to wait out McLaren.

The siege ended May 3 when the group agreed to lay down its weapons.

Two other group members will go on trial in December on the same charges. All could face five to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

Jury selection continued Monday afternoon after the defendants' removal.

District Attorney Albert Valadez asked prospective jurors whether they had been influenced by media coverage of the standoff, which generated international attention, or had any firsthand knowledge of the siege.

He also told the jury pool that DeHart would impose sentencing if the defendants are convicted and asked if it would bother them that they wouldn't decide punishment.Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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