http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/229-08172003-143159.html
Could a Ruby Ridge happen in our state?
Sit down, pour yourself a drink and get ready for a sobering story.
This nightmare started on June 5, 2003, when 80-year old Robert Floyd from Sinnamahoning killed an elk who was attacking the rare apple trees originally planted by his father. Floyd is not in the best shape, struggling in life to care for his terminally ill wife.
He summoned his good friends, Jim Pletcher, Art Gavlock and Adam Waltz, to his home to help deal with the Pennsylvania Game Commission when they arrived. All are members of the Citizens Against the Exploitation of Private Property Rights, a group at odds with the state's elk program. Floyd requested Waltz be his spokesman to the PGC.
WCO Clint Deniker and WCO Doty McDowell arrive shortly thereafter and insisted to speak to Floyd "in his house" about the incident. Waltz explained that Floyd and his wife are not in the best of health and terribly shaken. He further stated it was Floyd's desire that the PGC pick up the elk and leave as quickly as possible.
Standing over the elk, Pletcher suggested that they should photograph the scene before it was removed. Waltz walked back to the house for a camera with everyone close behind. Upon entering the house Deniker grabbedWaltz from the rear in a bear hug and violently shook him around like a rag doll. This was an assault and an act of unlawful entry into Floyd's home. Waltz immediately complained of severe neck pain.
Waltz later visited his doctor and was put in a neck brace. His medical problems from the incident continue to this day. He has hired an attorney and filed a complaint against Deniker.
You would think disciplinary action against Deniker would be appropriate, and this story would be over. Incredibly, it has just begun.
On August 7, 2003, 14 members of the CAEPPR met at Waltz's house. A PGC vehicle sat outside the house for six hours during the gathering. Little did they know WCO John Wasserman had taken a long ride to meet with District Justice John Maggs in Mill Hall to obtain search warrants.
When the meeting concluded, some group members were followed. Pletcher was pulled over, and his vehicle, including his dirty laundry, was searched. The PGC was looking for Floyd's .30-06 which he used to kill the elk. Gavlock and Floyd's homes were searched for this firearm. Floyd no longer owns the rifle, and the PGC believes either Pletcher or Gavlock has it.
Why does the PGC want the rifle? The PGC has filed charges against Floyd for killing an elk in violation of Title 34. I have a copy of Title 34, and it is perfectly legal for a landowner to protect his property against wildlife damage. (Last year 17 elk were killed for crop damage). Floyd had previously signed a sworn statement that he indeed killed the elk. Seeking the rifle was a bogus excuse. (The PGC must believe the turnip truck recently passed through the area.)
Ultimately, five WCOs and three State Police officers were involved in this shakedown, and I do mean shakedown. The officers wore bulletproof vests, and at one point had their hands on their weapons. This was not a pleasant situation and another clear example of an agency gone rogue.
While the PGC was shaking down Gavlock and his house, Deniker made his second mistake in this debacle. Deniker said, "the orders for this investigation came from high up." Interesting. How high? Does that statement implicate Mike Dubiak, chief of PGC Law Enforcement, or executive director Vern Ross, or did DCNR demand the PGC harass these people who have been critical of the elk-biodiversity program?
Obviously, these law-abiding citizens have gone to their attorneys and will start litigation charging civil rights violations. I'm told the search warrants obtained to conduct this shakedown are very suspect. Maggs will also be investigated for his role. Waltz has no intention of dropping his charges against Deniker.
This is an incredible story of abuse of power by the PGC, applying intimidation tactics of yesteryear. We are all too smart for this nonsense.
Our legislators need to conduct a hearing and fully investigate this matter. All should be held accountable for their behavior and terminated immediately. Holding people accountable for their actions is the only way to rid the agencies of their bad apples.
In the interim, our law-abiding citizens of northcentral Pennsylvania are deeply concerned that the PGC is not finished with them. They are wondering if the next PGC move will be to surround their homes, armed with M-16s and sniper rifles.
Do we have an agency (the PGC and/or DCNR) so intoxicated with power and so determined to impose its will and agenda that the civil liberties of our citizens are no longer relevant?
Are we on the brink of another Ruby Ridge?
Could a Ruby Ridge happen in our state?
Sit down, pour yourself a drink and get ready for a sobering story.
This nightmare started on June 5, 2003, when 80-year old Robert Floyd from Sinnamahoning killed an elk who was attacking the rare apple trees originally planted by his father. Floyd is not in the best shape, struggling in life to care for his terminally ill wife.
He summoned his good friends, Jim Pletcher, Art Gavlock and Adam Waltz, to his home to help deal with the Pennsylvania Game Commission when they arrived. All are members of the Citizens Against the Exploitation of Private Property Rights, a group at odds with the state's elk program. Floyd requested Waltz be his spokesman to the PGC.
WCO Clint Deniker and WCO Doty McDowell arrive shortly thereafter and insisted to speak to Floyd "in his house" about the incident. Waltz explained that Floyd and his wife are not in the best of health and terribly shaken. He further stated it was Floyd's desire that the PGC pick up the elk and leave as quickly as possible.
Standing over the elk, Pletcher suggested that they should photograph the scene before it was removed. Waltz walked back to the house for a camera with everyone close behind. Upon entering the house Deniker grabbedWaltz from the rear in a bear hug and violently shook him around like a rag doll. This was an assault and an act of unlawful entry into Floyd's home. Waltz immediately complained of severe neck pain.
Waltz later visited his doctor and was put in a neck brace. His medical problems from the incident continue to this day. He has hired an attorney and filed a complaint against Deniker.
You would think disciplinary action against Deniker would be appropriate, and this story would be over. Incredibly, it has just begun.
On August 7, 2003, 14 members of the CAEPPR met at Waltz's house. A PGC vehicle sat outside the house for six hours during the gathering. Little did they know WCO John Wasserman had taken a long ride to meet with District Justice John Maggs in Mill Hall to obtain search warrants.
When the meeting concluded, some group members were followed. Pletcher was pulled over, and his vehicle, including his dirty laundry, was searched. The PGC was looking for Floyd's .30-06 which he used to kill the elk. Gavlock and Floyd's homes were searched for this firearm. Floyd no longer owns the rifle, and the PGC believes either Pletcher or Gavlock has it.
Why does the PGC want the rifle? The PGC has filed charges against Floyd for killing an elk in violation of Title 34. I have a copy of Title 34, and it is perfectly legal for a landowner to protect his property against wildlife damage. (Last year 17 elk were killed for crop damage). Floyd had previously signed a sworn statement that he indeed killed the elk. Seeking the rifle was a bogus excuse. (The PGC must believe the turnip truck recently passed through the area.)
Ultimately, five WCOs and three State Police officers were involved in this shakedown, and I do mean shakedown. The officers wore bulletproof vests, and at one point had their hands on their weapons. This was not a pleasant situation and another clear example of an agency gone rogue.
While the PGC was shaking down Gavlock and his house, Deniker made his second mistake in this debacle. Deniker said, "the orders for this investigation came from high up." Interesting. How high? Does that statement implicate Mike Dubiak, chief of PGC Law Enforcement, or executive director Vern Ross, or did DCNR demand the PGC harass these people who have been critical of the elk-biodiversity program?
Obviously, these law-abiding citizens have gone to their attorneys and will start litigation charging civil rights violations. I'm told the search warrants obtained to conduct this shakedown are very suspect. Maggs will also be investigated for his role. Waltz has no intention of dropping his charges against Deniker.
This is an incredible story of abuse of power by the PGC, applying intimidation tactics of yesteryear. We are all too smart for this nonsense.
Our legislators need to conduct a hearing and fully investigate this matter. All should be held accountable for their behavior and terminated immediately. Holding people accountable for their actions is the only way to rid the agencies of their bad apples.
In the interim, our law-abiding citizens of northcentral Pennsylvania are deeply concerned that the PGC is not finished with them. They are wondering if the next PGC move will be to surround their homes, armed with M-16s and sniper rifles.
Do we have an agency (the PGC and/or DCNR) so intoxicated with power and so determined to impose its will and agenda that the civil liberties of our citizens are no longer relevant?
Are we on the brink of another Ruby Ridge?
