IN-- Postal Worker Had Bomb-Making Materials

[Chipperman]

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/14475721/detail.html#

CUTLER, Ind. -- A postal worker who had been a soldier was arrested after conservation officers found bomb-making materials, guns, marijuana and other illegally possessed items on his rural Carroll County property, authorities said.

Jessie Snider, 27, was arrested Saturday night after a Department of Natural Resources conservation officer heard a gunshot come from Snider's property, the DNR said.

A search of Snider's home and barn revealed 25 guns, more than 5,900 rounds of ammunition, an indoor marijuana growing operation and materials for building bombs, including a can of the explosive C-4, the DNR said Wednesday.


"Mr. Snider stepped over the line of being an avid gun collector when he allegedly began manufacturing various bombs and explosive devices," said Sgt. Dan Dulin, a DNR conservation officer.

Nine people were on the property when officers arrived, but only Snider and Justin Erdie, 28, were arrested, authorities said. Snider was held on felony gun and drug charges, and Erdie was arrested on drug charges.

Dulin said Snider had many items that investigators believe were taken unlawfully from the U.S. military, "including a thermal sight imager designed for a TOW missile and various pieces of body armor."

Snider, a postal worker in Lafayette, is a U.S. Army veteran.



A search of Snider's home and barn revealed 25 guns, more than 5,900 rounds of ammunition, an indoor marijuana growing operation and materials for building bombs, including a can of the explosive C-4, the Department of Natural Resources said.


Dulin said officers also found in the home "numerous pieces of anti-government propaganda representing his (Snider's) belief that the (Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist) attacks were organized by the United States government."

Information on whether investigators have suspicions as to what anyone intended to do with the weaponry and bomb-making materials wasn't available.

The officer who heard the gunshot was investigating complaints of poaching at the time, the DNR said. Information on whether anyone in particular was accused of poaching wasn't available.

Interestingly, the guns seem to be taking a back seat to the explosives in the story. I don't even see the phrase "assault weapon" anywhere.

Do my copies of EFAD and UC constitute "anti-gov't propaganda?

 

[Intrepid Dad]

"Mr. Snider stepped over the line of being an avid gun collector when he allegedly began manufacturing various bombs and explosive devices," said Sgt. Dan Dulin, a DNR conservation officer.

I thought it was pretty fair of the article's author to include a quote that acknowleges that having 25 guns and 5,900 rounds of ammo is legitimate. The focus here is not on the guns but rather on the bomb-making materials.

 

[kludge]

Avid gun collector = 25 guns?

How is a shot fired = probable cause to search?

"Are you poaching?"

"No sir, this is my property."

"OK, sorry to bother you."

 

[Chipperman]

Maybe there is a local ordinance against shooting unless for self-defense, or something stupid like that.

 

[romma]

Are you poaching?"

"No sir, this is my property."

"OK, sorry to bother you."

That will probably be the card he plays in court..

FWIW I personally don't think Guns, Marijuana or even bomb making material in and of itself should be illegal. Stealing the material from the .Gov should be though.

 

[Geronimo45]

numerous pieces of anti-government propaganda

How come nobody ever has pieces of 'pro-government propaganda'?

As for the search: Wouldn't be surprised if the evidence is inadmissable. There's poaching concerns, and you're checking his barn?

 

[Diverdave]

Probable Cause? CO's don't need no stinking probable cause.

 

[damien]

Avid gun collector = 25 guns?

How is a shot fired = probable cause to search?

"Are you poaching?"

"No sir, this is my property."

"OK, sorry to bother you."

I was thinking the same thing. If this was rural Indiana, I don't think that someone shooting on their property would create probable cause in any cop's mind assuming targets were set up and there was no dead deer. There must have been something else that set off the cop's sixth sense, most likely a bunch of obviously stoned fools.

 

[Macpherson]

Just what kind of authority to DNR officers have, to be able to search and seize people for non-wildlife related offenses? The article sounds like they were the ones doing the search and making the arrests, but I fail to see how bomb-making gear or marijuana has any relation to hunting fishing or forests.

I also agree that there had better be better cause than hearing a shot fired, as the article states this was in rural country, unless it's illegal to shoot guns there...

 

[kludge]

Maybe there is a local ordinance against shooting unless for self-defense, or something stupid like that

nope.

 

[El Tejon]

This will likely go federal soon.

The search is suspect and I would anticipate any prospect defense to be on the search.

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Dulin said officers also found in the home "numerous pieces of anti-government propaganda representing his (Snider's) belief that the (Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist) attacks were organized by the United States government."

If he had a copy of Zeitgeist, that's reason enough for a beating.

As for the search. **Texas law corallary** Down here a game warden can come onto my ranch if he has suspicion of poaching. Since we are currently in Bow dear season a gunshot might give him suspicion of illegal hunting activity. He's allowed to search any premesis he suspects may be used to hide illegally taken game. A barn would certainly qualify. If he finds obviously illegal activity no in his jurisdiction while conducting a legal search, he can then hand over to the proper authority.

<- Has the game warden on the propety often. He's a nice guy.

 

[Seancass]

ya wanna know what i heard?

lets start some rumors....

legend has it it was not a shot fired, but shots from a fully-automatic, unregistered firearm. and though it was rural, legend has it that the explosions (presumably from "bombs") and the shots could be heard in a near by town. now that somebody mentioned it, the guns have been really played down. only mentioned amoung items found and not the center of the investigation. perhaps that disproves the full-auto rumor. time will tell.

i believe it is still bow season up here too.

there is a local guy that has a habit of collecting firearms and ammo after events such as this. i'm really hoping he pulls through and i can get some of the ammo. he does it legally of course and all paper work is done where required. now that i look at the picture, a couple of those firearms look interesting too.

 

[longrifleman]

Around here the game warden is used often to search for naughty stuff when the Sheriff or police don't have probable cause. They don't have near the same threshold for probable cause (basically none)when it comes to the King's critters.

It's been close to twenty years but that was how a local criminal was caught when he robbed my grandparents. Along with some tools and household stuff they took about 50 lbs of meat from the freezer on the back porch. I'm pretty sure the Sheriff had a good idea who had been doing the robbing so he used the fact that this scumbag was also a known poacher to "suggest" the agent stop by the house. They had the meat stacked in a corner of the front room with my grandparent's name printed on the package.

Calling this guy a stupid criminal is an insult to stupid criminals everywhere.

Stolen military property + explosives will get this guy how many years? Would full auto add a bunch or would the sentences end up being concurrent?

 

[kludge]

i believe it is still bow season up here too.

That is correct.

 

[Officers'Wife]

Hi Kludge,

In Indiana a Conservation Officer doesn't need probable cause for a search if there is a suspected violation of the game laws. This loophole is highly abused in many Northern Indiana counties. One county in particular the sheriff's deputies will call the CO in a traffic stop so the truck of a car can be opened without the driver's consent. Please note that anything the CO finds can be used as probable cause to make the search legit for non-game evidence.

Also on demand a CO can also enter your house aned "inspect" the contents of your freezer. Again, anything 'in plain sight' can be used as PC by the regular LEO's.

Selena

 

[Neo-Luddite]

"Mr. Snider stepped over the line of being an avid gun collector when he allegedly began manufacturing various bombs and explosive devices."

Are these things in the same linear continuum of activity?

C-4 comes in cans??? Growing dope indoors? Anti-goverment propaganda??

I'd love to know who was suspected of poaching what exactly.

 

[Werewolf]

Game Warden???

I don't give a hoot who he is or what the law says. A freakin' game warden isn't a commissioned LEO and if wants to come in my house he better have a warrant or a real LEO with him.

 

[kludge]

Selena,



I live in central Indiana, and I knew that COs have authority to sieze anything used in the commisions of a poaching crime (including your truck), but I did not know they could conduct a search on mere suspicion.

Do you have any links that support this?

 

[zinj]

I don't give a hoot who he is or what the law says. A freakin' game warden isn't a commissioned LEO and if wants to come in my house he better have a warrant or a real LEO with him.

At least in Illinois game wardens have the full powers of a police officer.

 

[damien]

At least in Illinois game wardens have the full powers of a police officer.

Then I would assume they need a warrant.

 

[jefnvk]

Just what kind of authority to DNR officers have, to be able to search and seize people for non-wildlife related offenses?

I don't give a hoot who he is or what the law says. A freakin' game warden isn't a commissioned LEO and if wants to come in my house he better have a warrant or a real LEO with him.

Ummm....

Uhh....

In MI, a DNR is a fully comissioned LEO. Dog catcher, I have no idea. The guys in the green and khaki with the green pickup trucks plastered with radio antennas? They're cops.

DNR has pretty scary powers at times. Carrying a gun around MI, I'm more worried about what the DNR will say than what city police will say, especially this time of year.

In fact, the state gov't had to pass new laws limiting DNR's powers on CCW holders a few years back, they were prosecuting people for carrying a firearm without hunting licenses in 'areas inhabited by wildlife' (everywhere).

This time of year the DNR has more power than God. In fact, some of them think they are God. - Escanaba in da Moonlight

 

[ClickClickD'oh]

Game Warden???

I don't give a hoot who he is or what the law says. A freakin' game warden isn't a commissioned LEO and if wants to come in my house he better have a warrant or a real LEO with him.

Check your state laws.

Game wardens are most often state law enforcement officers.

Then I would assume they need a warrant.

Game wardens are charged with ensuring the safe and legal conduct of game hunting activities. Gunshots in a rural area are probable cause that game hunting is occuring. No warrant necessary.

Check your laws. Most states grant very broad powers to game wardens.

 

[Jeff White]

Werewolf said;

Game Warden???

I don't give a hoot who he is or what the law says. A freakin' game warden isn't a commissioned LEO and if wants to come in my house he better have a warrant or a real LEO with him.

Maybe they aren't peace officers in Oklahoma, but they are everyplace else I'm familiar with, here is Illinois law::
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilc...3&ChapterName=WILDLIFE&ActName=Wildlife+Code.

(520 ILCS 5/1.14) (from Ch. 61, par. 1.14)
Sec. 1.14. All authorized employees of the Department shall have the power of, and shall be peace officers in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules, and may carry such weapons as may be necessary to arrest any person resisting arrest.
(Source: P.A. 85‑152.)

(520 ILCS 5/1.15) (from Ch. 61, par. 1.15)
Sec. 1.15. All authorized employees of the Department, duly accredited officers of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and all sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and other peace officers shall be empowered to arrest any person detected in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules.
All such officers shall make prompt investigation of any violation of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules, reported by any other person, and cause a complaint to be filed before the Circuit Court having jurisdiction thereof in case there seems just ground for such complaint and evidence procurable to support the same.
Upon the filing of such complaint, such officers shall render assistance in the prosecution of the party against whom complaint is made.
Peace officers, but no employee of the Department, making arrests and serving warrants provided for by this Act shall receive the fees and mileage as provided by law for sheriffs.
Each duly accredited officer and authorized employee of the Department is authorized to execute and serve all warrants and processes issued by any Circuit Court.
In the performance of their law enforcement duties under this Act, authorized employees of the Department may operate vehicles owned or leased by the Department upon a highway, other than an interstate highway, limited access highway, State highway or any highway within the limits of an incorporated area, during hours of darkness without lighted headlamps, tail lamps and clearance lamps, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 12 of The Illinois Vehicle Code if so operating such vehicles will aid in the accomplishment of a lawful arrest for violation of this Act or subsequent administrative rules or in ascertaining whether a violation of this Act or subsequent administrative rules has been or is about to be committed and when it will not endanger the public health, safety and welfare.
(Source: P.A. 85‑152.)

kludge said;

live in central Indiana, and I knew that COs have authority to sieze anything used in the commisions of a poaching crime (including your truck), but I did not know they could conduct a search on mere suspicion.

Do you have any links that support this?

(520 ILCS 5/1.19) (from Ch. 61, par. 1.19)
Sec. 1.19. All authorized employees of the Department are empowered, pursuant to law, to enter all lands and waters to enforce the provisions of this Act. Authorized employees are further empowered to examine all buildings, private or public clubs (except dwellings), fish markets, cold storage houses, locker plants, camps, vessels, cars (except sealed railroad cars or other sealed common carrier), conveyances, vehicles, watercraft or other means of transportation or shipping whatsoever, tents, game bags, game coats or other receptacles, and to open and examine any box, barrel, package, or other receptacle in the possession of a common carrier, which they have reason to believe contains wild birds or any part thereof (their nests or eggs), or wild mammals or any part thereof, taken, destroyed, bought, sold or bartered, shipped or held in possession contrary to any of the provisions of this Act, including administrative rules, or that the receptacle containing the same is falsely labeled.
All authorized employees of the Department shall be given free access to and shall not be hindered or interfered with in making such examination, and any license issued by the Department held by the person preventing such free access or interfering with or hindering such authorized employee shall be subject to confiscation by the Department; and no license or permit of any kind whatsoever shall be issued to such person for the period of one year thereafter.
Authorized law enforcement employees of the Department are empowered to conduct examination of equipment and devices in the field, pursuant to law, to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 85‑152.)

It quite simple. Game Warden, Conservation Officer, Possum Cop (pick the name you prefer) goes into barn legally to check to see if there is a deer carcass hanging there. In plain sight is a marijuana growing operation. CO backs out of barn, calls states attorney and swears an affidavit over the phone. States attorney types up affidavit takes it up to judge and judge issues warrant for the barn, house and other outbuildings and vehicles to look for further evidence of the marijuana production operation. Officers from the sheriffs department, state police or other agency arrive with warrant in hand, search is conducted and contraband is found. Suspect is arrested, contraband is seized.

If the CO didn't get a warrant to cover the marijuana grow operation and continued to search without one, then everything found is probably inadmissible, because the law doesn't empower the CO to enter a barn to look for an indoor grow operation and he can't look in the dwelling at all without a warrant.

Indiana law may be somewhat different, but the laws are fairly uniform throughout the states because the COs enforce federal game laws too.

Jeff

 

[El Tejon]

A frickin' game warden (we call them Bambi Cops or "state troopers in green") are LEOs in Indiana. As Oklahoma law mysteriously does not control in Indiana, let's look at the Indiana statute:

See Indiana Code 35-41-1-17(a)(4) (note that this statute was modified effective July 1st, 2007 as the general Assembly stuck on the paragraph about the investigators from the AG's office being LEOs now).

"IC 35-41-1-17 Version b
"Law enforcement officer" and "federal enforcement officer" defined
Note: This version of section effective 7-1-2007. See also preceding version of this section, effective until 7-1-2007.
Sec. 17. (a) "Law enforcement officer" means:
(1) a police officer, sheriff, constable, marshal, prosecuting attorney, special prosecuting attorney, special deputy prosecuting attorney, the securities commissioner, or the inspector general;
(2) a deputy of any of those persons;
(3) an investigator for a prosecuting attorney or for the inspector general;
(4) a conservation officer;
(5) an enforcement officer of the alcohol and tobacco commission; or
(6) an enforcement officer of the securities division of the office of the secretary of state.
(b) "Federal enforcement officer" means any of the following:
(1) A Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent.
(2) A United States Marshals Service marshal or deputy.
(3) A United States Secret Service special agent.
(4) A United States Fish and Wildlife Service special agent.
(5) A United States Drug Enforcement Agency agent.
(6) A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent.
(7) A United States Forest Service law enforcement officer.
(8) A United States Department of Defense police officer or criminal investigator.
(9) A United States Customs Service agent.
(10) A United States Postal Service investigator.
(11) A National Park Service law enforcement commissioned ranger.
(12) United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General special agent.
(13) A United States Citizenship and Immigration Services special agent.
(14) An individual who is:
(A) an employee of a federal agency; and
(B) authorized to make arrests and carry a firearm in the performance of the individual's official duties."