“It was self-defense,” Buck said grabbing his donut.
Nodding, Moore picked up the top sheet of paper from the open folder and read. “A strong argument could be made that the fugitive acted in self-defense, and even with a mediocre attorney representing the fugitive, the government’s case would be difficult if not impossible to prove.” He sat the paper down and looked at Buck. “That was my assessment to the director after reviewing the case.”
“And yet, here we are,” Buck said leaning back in his chair.
“Sheriff, you and I enforce the laws. The courts are the ones that decide innocence and guilt.”
Buck nodded, “Your law degree is really standing out Moore. But,” Buck said leaning over the table. “You are expecting a man to surrender to the very departments of the federal government that tried to kill him.”
“Allegedly,” Moore corrected. “That is for a court to decide, not law enforcement.”
“Can I be frank with you, Agent Moore?” Buck asked clasping his hands and leaning over on the table resting on his elbows.
“Yes, please do, and Albert, if you would prefer,” Moore said. “What is said here is between us.”
“I believe in my heart that Joshua would never see the inside of a courtroom if your people apprehend him. I’ve talked to ‘your people’,” Buck stressed. “They all but said it to my face that he will be killed.”
“I assure you, that’s not the case from my point of view,” Moore said.
“Then you haven’t talked to your people,” Buck said with a frown. “Do you know what this is about?”
“Yes,” Moore said opening another folder. “The suspect was in violation of federal forestry regulations, suspected tax evasion, child labor code violations, destruction of national assets, numerous EPA violations and suspected firearm violations.”
Stanley leaned over, “There’s that ‘firearm violations’ again.”
Putting the paper down, Moore looked at both of them. “Would you like to know why they brought in the BATF?” he asked and they nodded. “He’s bought several hundred pounds of gunpowder, purchased a substantial amount of ammunition over the years. Including calibers that he’s not recorded to own.”
Stanley leaned back in his chair, “I’m going to be sick.”
“A firearms registration is against the law,” Buck snapped.
“No, it’s not. A national security directive allows it,” Moore said solemnly. “They don’t use the ATF forms. They use financial transactions, tracking of media, public events, cellphone conversations and several other avenues, I’m told.”
“And you know this, and haven’t reported it?!” Buck shouted.
Holding up his hands with his palms facing Buck to get him to relax, Moore said. “It’s covered by the law.”
“What about the sheet of paper you swore an oath to? It’s called the Constitution of the United States,” Buck said lowering his voice, seeing Moore was at least talking to him, not at him.
“Legal panels have reviewed and ruled that the directives don’t violate the Constitution,” Moore said crossing his hands.
Buck looked down at the table. “Jesus, it’s not America anymore.”
“I beg to differ, sheriff,” Moore said. “You are innocent until proven guilty.”
“Everyone is guilty under your system. You’ve made up laws that go against everything it means to be American,” Buck snapped. “But let me tell you something.”
Putting the letters that he was reading down, Stanley reached over, grabbing Buck’s wrist. “What the hell are you going to tell him? Remember, be nice.”
Taking a deep breath, Buck looked down at Moore. “This is about money. Joshua was worth over two million dollars and they were going to seize it,” Buck said.
Hearing that, Moore laughed. “Sheriff, I assure you that’s not the case. Two million dollars wouldn’t mean anything in the coffers. Our country runs on billions, not millions.”
“Oh, good sir,” Buck said leaning over the table as he stood up. “Millions add up rather quickly to billions. I’ve seen it with my own eyes from ‘your’ peoples’ own records. Just in the last six months, almost two billion dollars have been seized from private citizens.”
“Buck,” Stanley said in a low voice. “You need to shut your mouth now.”
Buck turned to Stanley, “Let ’em try me,” he growled, then looked back at Moore. “You’re an ostrich with your head in the sand Moore, and you know it. You’re trying to convince yourself that you’re upholding the law when you’re walking all over it.”
“Sheriff, I assume you’re referring to data taken off the government computer. All that data only refers to legal federal enforcement of federal laws. There is no agenda.”
Dropping in his chair, Buck shook his head. “You make a good Nazi.”
Raising his eyebrows sharply, “I resent that remark,” Moore said with a straight face.
“You know, Joshua only had a small business,” Buck said crossing his hands over his stomach as he leaned back in his chair. “Only employed eight people, but those eight supported many other businesses. Now, those eight are out of work and I hope you realize, this area is very dependent on businesses like Joshua’s as are other areas of the country. You can’t keep shutting down small businesses with bullshit rules and regulations without consequences.”
“Sheriff, I’m sure you’re aware I have an associate’s degree in free market enterprise,” Moore said. “No matter what you read or heard, the government isn’t after small business or seizing money from the poor.”
“Of course you don’t seize money from the poor, they don’t have any. The government gives them money to get votes,” Buck grinned. “I answer to the citizens of this county and they expect me to protect them, and that includes their homes and businesses.”
Moore nodded with a sigh, “Sheriff, this argument could go on for weeks.”
“But it’s the root cause of why we’re here. Your boys are after one of my constituents’ assets. You want what he has, to sell off and make money off of property that isn’t yours. Your boys didn’t break into his house and take his money, you went right to his bank to take his hard earned money and lock his accounts. You know, that all really sounds illegal unless you’re the federal government.”
“Sheriff, once again I say, that’s for courts to decide, not you and me,” Moore said with a sigh.
“Very well,” Buck said sitting up. “What did you want to talk about?”
“Your help in apprehending the suspect, Joshua Anderson. Like I said, I know without your help it’s going to be much more difficult, but I assure you, we will catch him,” Moore said opening another folder.
Chuckling, Buck looked over at Stanley. “He thinks he knows enough about Joshua from reading a few reports that he can catch him.”
“Oh, I know Mr. Anderson quite well,” Moore said picking up the top page from the folder. “Joshua Anderson: noted as suspect. Male, age forty-five, six feet tall, one hundred and seventy pounds with shoulder length black hair and full facial beard to mid chest, minor gray streaks currently noted to hair and beard.
“High school graduate and worked in father’s logging company from an early age, but unknown start. Married, two months after graduating high school to Mary Lalas and bought a house south of Coolin, Idaho. Father died in a logging accident when suspect was twenty-eight. Father left business to son with a quarter of yearly profits going to his widow. See appendix A for asset value.
“Offspring: One child, William Anderson, given birth by Mary Anderson when suspect was thirty-two. Reports indicate offspring was unexpected due to Mary Anderson’s diagnosis and finding of thin uterine wall. Mary Anderson died almost instantly of cerebral aneurysm rupture when child was five and suspect was thirty-seven.
“Suspect moved in with his biological mother and with his child two weeks after the death of wife. Assumption; help to care for William Anderson. Suspect’s home was paid for and no extrane
ous financial burden noted. Suspect’s personal residence south of Coolin, Idaho sold along with shop on property which logging business was operated from after father’s death. Assessment of circumstance: close and extremely loyal family ties.” As Moore put the first page down and grabbed the next, Buck and Stanley looked at him with open mouths as he continued to read the next page.
“One year after death of wife, started courting Sonya Stanton. Suspect had prior contact with Stanton from high school and Stanton was known acquaintance of suspect and deceased wife. From gathered intel, Sonya Stanton was always affectionate toward the suspect.
“After marriage to Sonya Stanton, suspect moved to her residence that she attained from grandmother in community of Lamb Creek, Idaho; no mortgage noted on residence for last thirty years. Suspect bought adjoining property to residence with lump sum to continue operating logging business close to residence. Note: Sonya Anderson, forty-four, no children but noted and documented exceedingly committed to William Anderson. Well known throughout outlying community. Highly active on four social network sites. Parents deceased: car wreck, left substantial inheritance see appendix B.
“Suspect only listed owner of business but spouse Sonya Anderson has account access. Debt ratio balanced, business credit rating listed as excellent. Suspect in last sixteen months has acquired two pieces of machinery valued at $510,753 with no down payment required. See appendix C for business holdings.
“Employees: eight total. Only one employee with less than ten years with company. One employee in business longer than suspect, many others business is only known employment. No job postings for applications have been obtained. Note: suspect pays employees extremely well compared to industry standard. Employees receive weekly checks along with quarterly bonuses out of proportion with industry standard.
“Suspect personal: No military background. Vocal advocate of constitutional rights. Known remarks degrading government. Very active outdoors, with seemingly substantial knowledge of wilderness surroundings. Highly active sportsman hunting and fishing. Unknown number of firearms but reported to have amassed a sizable collection. Refer to appendix M for suspected firearms and known ammunition purchases.
“Active member of NRA. Active member of Mountain Men. Active member of Small Business Association. Active member Youth Sports League. Active member of six hunting conservation groups. Member, not active, Safari International. Member, not active, National Shooting Sports Foundation. Christian but doesn’t regularly attend services.
“Hobbies noted: hunting and fishing. Highly active reader of many subjects. List of known book purchases appendix L. Non-active participant of black powder shooting competition. Last active event noted when suspect was thirty-one. Non-active participant of Cowboy Active Shooting known as SASS, Single Action Shooting Sports. Last active event noted when suspect was thirty-four. Non-active participant, three gun competition. Last active event noted when suspect was forty-one.
“Crime scene investigation reveals suspect highly proficient with side arm. Three officers with weapons drawn engaged with single gunshots to head before they could return fire. Tracks in snow reveal suspect left scene immediately after incident. Further analysis provided in appendix E.
“Profile- Suspect is above average intelligence. Excellent health for age. Well liked in community and would have grassroots support for evading capture. Family bonds strong but doubtful suspect would endanger them or others with presence. Strong moral values. Well known and outwardly adored by influential members of community.
“First conclusion- suspect comfortable and knowledgeable enough to survive and dwell in wilderness environment for great length of time. Known areas suspect hunts game in appendix G. These are primary search areas until proven otherwise. Suspect known to be highly proficient with multiple rifles and as noted previous pistols. See appendix N for competition results and known weapons. Since shooting of two federal agents and one state trooper, suspect hasn’t contacted any known associate. Consider suspect to be armed and highly dangerous to federal law enforcement. Doubtful suspect would surrender to federal officials under any circumstance. Pursue avenues with local law enforcement to assist in capture of suspect. Highly unlikely suspect would engage local departments with lethal force. Only active ground search-,” hearing Stanley gag, Moore looked up to see Stanley and Buck staring at him with open mouths.
“Shall I continue? It’s nine more pages,” he said putting the page down.
Jumping up out of his chair, Stanley exploded. “You call that justifiable?! There is no way you got subpoenas for that kind of information that fast! Hell, medical records alone take weeks to subpoena and gather!”
“I don’t ask where the information is obtained or I can’t use it if it’s questionable,” Moore said leaning back. “My job-”
“We know,” Buck snapped cutting him off. “You know, they got that information from illegal search and seizure, yet you use it without remorse. I’m not talking about a serial killer or terrorist. I’m talking about an outstanding American.”
“Sheriff, Joshua Anderson has been labeled as a lone wolf terrorist by the Attorney General and signed off by the President of the United States.”
Stanley spun around with fire in his eyes. “You can’t do that, he’s an American citizen. The most you can label him is a domestic terrorist.”
“Not true counselor. We have proof that he has traveled repeatedly outside the United States for several years in a row. National security directives clearly state that alone, is ample reason enough,” Moore said. “Now, do you understand why I want your help? They are pulling all stops out to catch Mr. Anderson.”
“He cut trees down in Canada and Alaska!” Stanley yelled.
“So he reported, but he could’ve gone anywhere.”
“And you don’t think your boys want to kill him?” Buck growled.
Shaking his head but returning Buck’s stare. “No, but I can guarantee you, Mr. Anderson will fight back if found and they will be forced to kill him. We aren’t assassins, but we do fight back,” Moore said.
“Oh, on one thing you’re correct about, Joshua is going to fight back, but you and your boys are assassins, sir,” Buck said in a tense voice. “Let it be known from this day forth, my office is hostile to your investigation and apprehension of Joshua Anderson.”
Moore gave a startle with the proclamation and looked at Stanley. “You’re going to just stand there as he says that?”
“I’ll kick his ass if he even lifts a finger to save one of your boys,” Stanley said. “I stand in conjunction with Sheriff Harper, the county prosecutor’s office is hostile to your investigation and considers it not only constitutionally offensive, but morally degradable.”
“I’m sorry then gentlemen,” Moore said getting up and putting the folders back in his briefcase.
“Agent Moore, I’m not going to say what was discussed at this meeting. You asked for a confidential meeting and I’ll keep my word,” Buck said. “But you need to remember, this isn’t one of the New England states full of pussies that will roll over as you rape their rights, this is Idaho. People here cherish their rights and will fight for them and for their neighbors. You’ll be hard pressed to find a house around here with only one gun. Careful on your plan of action.”
“Sheriff, you can tell who you want, I’ve broken no laws,” Moore said closing his briefcase. “But you just told a federal agent that you are hostile in an ongoing investigation against a known cop killer that’s been labeled a lone wolf terrorist. You are the one that needs to worry.”
“Seems to me it’s about to get interesting,” Buck said with a cold smile. “Any contact further with this office needs to be done through the governor. Otherwise, I’ll view it as harassment and intimidation. This department won’t interfere with your investigation unless it violates state law, your supremacy clause be damned. If any of your men harass, threaten, or trespass against a citizen of this county, we will respond code three and be prep
ared for armed resistance.”
“You’re making a mistake sheriff,” Moore said picking up his briefcase. “You’re going to get people killed.”
“At least my way, they are standing up fighting and not getting hauled in and dying in questioning,” Buck said pointing to the door. “After meeting you I have to wonder, just how many of those people you chased were really criminals?”
Not responding, Moore left and Stanley spun around, hearing Buck pick up the phone and dial a number. “Hey Ralph, I need you to bring two of your clients here now, Sonya and Ben,” Buck said and listened. “Ralph, Sonya isn’t going to let William out of her sight but yes, he needs to be here also.”
Buck listened for a minute shaking his head. “No Ralph, it’s not safe to talk in your office. You’ll understand when you get here and it’s only going to be me, and maybe Stanley.”
“Hey, I’m calling the governor, the attorney general, the director of the state police, hell, I’m going to try to call the Easter Bunny and let him know what’s going on!” Stanley roared and Ralph heard that easily.
“I take it you understand that Stanley’s pissed off,” Buck said into the phone and listened. “As soon as possible Ralph. Ten minutes ago was too long.”
Saying goodbye, Buck looked up at Stanley. “You ready for this shit storm?”
“I’m going to tell my wife and little girl that dad might be going to prison, but be damned if I help build an iron curtain over my own country or stand by as one is built,” Stanley said and started pacing. He stopped when Buck got up and walked over to his desk.
Buck pulled out a drawer and pulled out a digital recorder hitting the stop button. “You old dog,” Stanley said grinning. “Illegal, but very smart.”
“What? I put it in my desk to interview a kid about breaking into a car, didn’t realize I left it on,” Buck said and pushed play to hear Agent Moore’s voice. “Is that believable to you?”
“I’ll check if we can use that,” Stanley said and saw Moore had left the two envelopes he had been reading. “No way,” he hissed walking back over to the table. “Buck, we can use these. Agent Moore clearly labeled his concerns and was told to shut up by the AG and FBI director.”
Bonner Incident Page 15