Fairbanks Militia Trial Comes to a Close

Schaeffer Cox and Lonnie Vernon found quilty of conspiracy to murder

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By Megan Edge

Story Created: Jun 18, 2012 at 5:43 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2012 at 6:02 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE – Schaeffer Cox began to sob as he looked at his teary eyed wife, while the bailiff handcuffed and escorted him out of the courtroom Monday afternoon.

Cox, 28, remained emotionless through most of Monday's proceeding while the judge read the list of 21 verdicts. He only reacted when he was convicted of conspiring to kill government officials. He looked around the courtroom in disbelief, first at his attorney, then at his wife and then at fellow militia member Lonnie Vernon’s attorney.

He then took that time to tell the jury “the prosecution withheld evidence.”

“There has been no allegation except for Mr. Cox's outburst in court that the government has withheld any evidence in this case,” said Assistant U.S District Attorney Steve Skrocki.

Vernon, 56, was the only member of the Fairbanks-based Alaska Peacemakers Militia trio facing charges that did not testify in his own defense.

37-year-old Coleman Barney remained emotionless through the entire process, and was found guilty of a few charges.

They were arrested last year on a slew of federal charges, many of which were weapons charges. Cox, the reputed leader, claimed his militia was working toward social change, not violence.

The judge addressed the jury, which sat through an almost six-week long trial and started deliberating Thursday, and called them the hardest working jury he has ever seen.

Cox and Vernon could face life behind bars. Sentencing is scheduled for September 14, at 9:30 a.m.

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Freedom Fighter said on Tuesday, Jun 19 at 8:14 PM

This is a great example of justice NOT being served. FREE SPEECH IS ABSOULTE!!!! it's right there in the 1st amendment of the US Constitution. what happened to Cox's rights to free speech??? It has been violated by the feds. i respect our soldiers, but not the feds (I love my country but i fear my government).

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haha said on Tuesday, Jun 19 at 2:37 PM

naw from the sounds of it - they are all in bed together so Karen will protect the Palins...besides todd has some show he is in about militias...with General Clark hosting it...allright who dropped LSD in the air currents...lol...these folks have lost their minds...judges and juries are needed but hollywood calls....so they run to the light...

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Anonymous said on Monday, Jun 18 at 11:44 PM

aw now it's Sarah and Todd's turn...all those involved better get ready to run...before they find a way to legally throw you under the bus...and you know they will do it...may be you can turn evidence on them and get a pass...talk to Karen Loffeler...

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