Member of Freemen Fined in Fraud Scheme

RALEIGH, N.C. — A member of the Montana “Freemen” and his associate were convicted Friday in a scheme to buy vehicles with bogus financial instruments issued by the anti-government group.

Russell Dean Landers, 45, who was among 14 anti-government “Freemen” who surrendered to the FBI last summer after an 81-day standoff, was convicted of seven federal fraud and conspiracy counts. James Vincent Wells, 58, was convicted on 12 counts.

Landers and Wells were ordered to forfeit a luxury recreational vehicle and Chevrolet Suburban they delivered to Montana’s Justus Township in January 1996.

Prosecutors contended that the two men drove the motor home and utility vehicle from North Carolina to Montana so the “Freemen” could outfit an armed convoy of vigilantes, but FBI arrests and the standoff spoiled the plan.

Wells was held liable for $58,500 in cash and Landers for $3,114. The prosecution had sought $427,000 in cash to repay a Durham bank that had accepted the Freemen-inspired “comptroller warrants.”