DOCS AND DATA

BOB FLETCHER
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF

425 Grove Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101-2418
Telephone: 651-266-9300
Fax: 651-266-9301

For Immediate Release

For More Information             
Contact: Holli Drinkwine
651-248-6653 (cell)

August 30, 2008

CRIMINAL ANARCHISTS ARRESTED AND EQUIPMENT SEIZED DURING SEARCH WARRANTS THROUGHOUT MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL

On August 30, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, supported by the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, executed search warrants at the following addresses:

2301 23rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN
3500 Harriet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
3240 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN

These search warrants were a part of an ongoing investigation regarding serious criminal acts involving key members of the RNC Welcoming Committee.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher stated, "This investigation pertains to actions of the RNC Welcoming Committee.  The "Welcoming Committee" is a criminal enterprise made up of 35 anarchists who are intent on committing criminal acts before and during the Republican National Convention.  These acts include tactics to blockade and disable delegate buses, breaching venue security and injuring police officers.  They have recruited assistance in their criminal conspiracy from other anarchists groups throughout the country.  Through their plans and actions they have exhibited a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others."

During the searches a number of items were recovered, some of which included:

Materials used in creating "sleeping dragons" (pvc pipe, chicken wire, duct tape)

Large amounts of urine (including 3 - 5 gallon buckets of urine)

Wrist Rockets

Assorted edged weapons including a machete, hatchet and several throwing knives

Gas mask and filter

Empty glass bottles

Rags     

Flammable liquids

Homemade Caltrops (devises used to disable buses in roads)

Metal pipes

Axes

Bolt cutters

Sledge hammers

Old tires (for burning)

Repelling equipment

Kryptonite locks

Empty plastic buckets cut and made into shields

Material for protective padding

An army helmet

Five persons were arrested this morning for probable cause conspiracy to riot, conspiracy to commit civil disorder and conspiracy to damage property.  Those arrests are as follows:

At 2301 23rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, one individual was taken into custody:

Nathanael David Secor (DOB: 1/29/82)

At 3240 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, three individuals were taken into custody:

Garrett Scott Fitzgerald (DOB: 2/28/83)

Eryn Chase Trimmer (DOB: 7/18/85)

Monica Rachel Bicking (DOB: 6/23/85)

And Erik Charles Oseland (DOB: 4/11/87) was taken into custody at an undisclosed location.

These individuals are being held at the Hennepin County Jail.

A portion of the property recovered will be on display at 2:30 PM today at the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office - 425 Grove Street - Media will enter security check-point on Grove Street and be directed upon arrival.

Any further information can be received through Holli Drinkwine at the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office (651-248-6653).