by Ian | Sep 14, 2012 |
As reported earlier, a NH jury has found a man not guilty of growing cannabis in the first-ever (that I know of) use of jury nullification in NH! Now one of the jurors, who happens to be a Free State Project participant, Cathleen, is speaking out.
Below is her written statement about her experience on the jury and here is a link to this evening’s episode of Free Talk Live, where we had Cathleen on-air to discuss.
I don’t believe in divine intervention but providence definitely was in play. To put me in the spot, the enviable spot, of a jury seat with a sympathetic defendant accused of growing pot for personal use. Not only was I lucky enough to be placed on that jury, I was lucky to not have had previous knowledge of the defendant or the case as it all came down rather close to home. About a mile away from my home to be more specific.
On July 9, 2009 a military helicopter buzzed and circled the defendant’s home and likely mine as well. Pictures, warrant, search and seizure ensued. These were the facts laid out before us. There wasn’t any conflicting testimony, none. It’s pot; he grew it; he knew it. But not case closed. (more…)
by Garret Ean | Sep 12, 2012 |
An article published in Monday’s Union Leader sources a video from the FreeConcordTV youtube channel. In a follow-up piece on the recent State v Jonathan Evans, the full trial footage is linked toward the end of the article, when describing the oddity occurring on camera when a seemingly civilian witness open carries onto the witness stand. Jim Berry identified on the stand as being employed by Riley’s gun store, but I have since been informed that he had been hired by the Northfield police department. It appears he is also sporting a badge on his waistband at 28:10 in the first third of the trial.
The article also reveals that Mr. Blackden has still not been returned his vest, though an older comment from prosecutor John Webb indicates he intends to file a motion to return the unlawfully seized vest. Text of the article:
Concord business Owner Awaiting Return of
Road Dawgs Vest
by Mark Hayward
New Hampshire Union Leader
Two weeks after a judge cleared a Hill police officer in the theft of a Road Dawgs motorcycle vest, the man who claims to own it has yet to get it back.
Concord business owner Brian Blackden said he doesn’t even know the whereabouts of the vest, which he had insisted was stolen from his Main Street shop.
“This judge has no legal right to hold that vest,” said Blackden, who had hung the vest on a female mannequin in his pepper-spray supply store.
Road Dawgs is a motorcycle club comprised of current and former police officers who ride together while off-duty. (more…)
by Ian | Sep 12, 2012 |
It's just days before the real-life premiere and "Derrick J's Victimless Crime Spree" has exceeded 20,000 views on YouTube in just over a month since its release. The feature-length documentary was shot primarily in Keene, NH and chronicles the first year of Derrick J's activism here. The film is packed with exciting footage and insightful commentary. The YouTube statistics are a testament to the movie's popularity with viewers as it currently has 589 likes and only 31 dislikes!
The real-life premiere is happening this Saturday, 9/15 at 9:45am at Keene Cinemas. Admission is free and will be first-come-first-serve. After the movie there will be a Q&A with Derrick J, executive producer Ian Freeman and editor Beau Davis. We'll be giving away an exclusive, autographed movie poster to a lucky winner and following that, there will be a bring-your-own lunch at Ashuelot Park. Details on this Facebook event.
by Ian | Sep 12, 2012 |
Here’s the scoop on someone of whom to beware, courtesy of Ashley Jardis, Brad’s wife:
Working With a Psychopath
For the last couple of months, I have endured the life experience of working with a psychopath. His name is Jeramie Samphere. My husband and I didn’t know he was a psychopath when we hired him (he was paid over $1200 total for his services) as campaign manager of the Sheriff’s race we were currently involved in. We just thought he was a little strange – not unlike the rest of us. We later found out that he was a former Jehovah’s Witness, so we figured he would be great at helping us with one of the most critical parts of campaigning – door knocking. He seemed to have some really good ideas, and sounded like he knew what he was talking about. He also put us in touch with some amazing people, whom I am forever grateful for their help and hard work.
About four weeks ago, while out door knocking with Jeramie, Brad noticed some aggressive and “pushy” behavior from him. He mentioned it to Jeramie and asked him to stop behaving that way. (more…)
by Kager | Sep 6, 2012 |
The following post was written by Ademo Freeman, from Valley Street Jail in Manchester, NH.
I wrote, prior to my wiretapping trial, a thank-you and semi-prediction of the outcome. Since then, I haven’t addressed the outcome publicly because I was tired of the trial talk and focused on doing my time. I’m not going to say much more than I did in my previous letter/blog post. The outcome of the trial is what it is and I knew the risk of my actions long before the verdict. I’m proud of myself for refusing the plea deal, speaking the truth, and avoiding the majority of the courtroom shenanigans. I hope others will follow my lead by taking the direct approach in courtrooms, even though I wasn’t “successful.” At some point, logic will prevail if everyone is speaking openly and honestly, especially when charges with victimless crimes and ones exposing government abuse – like mine. The conclusion of my wiretapping saga now lies in the hands of Brandon Ross who has decided to try the legal route in freeing me from the State’s grasp.
I’d like to again thank everyone who has helped share my story, support CopBlock.org‘s mission and contributed to my jail fund, commissary and/or appeal. Thank-you very much, I couldn’t do it without the support y’all have provided.
I guess the remaining question many, including myself, have is, “What’s next?” That answer depends on many things. Of the course the outcome of my appeal or other attempts of Brandon’s to free me from the 5 years of “good behavior” play a factor in what I’ll do after my release. Regardless, I know I’ll never go back to being an obedient servant of the state’s. Although jail as been an emotional roller coaster for me, as always, and may lead to a short vacation from public or high profiled activism like I’ve done in the past; I’ve recently started working on some video scripts and other ideas for Copblock/activism once freed, hopefully on or by October 11th.
Until then, I’ll continue my jail routine of reading, writing and working out, with the occasional outreach opportunity in between. And though many questions are still unanswered, know that we shall meet again, either doing activism or “in the place where there is no darkness.” (Reference to 1984)
Much love,
Ademo
by Ian | Sep 5, 2012 |
The Union Leader reports on lawyer Brandon Ross taking Ademo’s case:
MANCHESTER — A lawyer has asked a judge to rethink the guilty verdict against Adam “Ademo” Mueller, the Free Stater convicted last month of illegal wiretapping.
In a court filing, Concord lawyer Brandon Ross said the law was applied incorrectly, and Mueller should have been convicted of a misdemeanor, if anything. He also said Mueller, the co-founder of the police-monitoring CopBlock.org website, has a constitutional right to make sure the taped individuals — police Capt. Jon Hopkins, West High principal MaryEllen McGorry and a school secretary — are accountable to the public.
“It is unconstitutional to allow public employees to convert a privacy shield for citizens (the wiretap law) into a sword with which to attack citizen journalists for recording statements those public employees made while they were on the job and voluntarily interacting with the public,” Ross wrote. (more…)
