Bunkerville Political Prisoner Todd Engel Needs Our Help

Todd Engel was tried in the first of the three Bunkerville trials, and has had very poor representation by his two court appointed attorneys. Neither would communicate with him, and one even had trouble staying awake in the courtroom.

For a short time, Todd was allowed to represent himself, and he did that very well. However, Judge Navarro denied even that when Todd mentioned Dan Love, the Bureau of Land Management Special Agent in Charge at the Bunkerville standoff. Many topics were off limits, including the 1st Amendment, 2nd Amendment, the Constitution, and the reason he went to the Bundy Ranch. Almost all of the defense witnesses were intimidated or denied by Judge Gloria Navarro. Basically, the federal prosecution was allowed by the judge to prosecute, but the defendants were not allowed a defense.

Todd was convicted of two very minor charges. In the second trial, and now as the third trial is starting, information is coming out that would have helped his case. This includes conflicting testimony by federal employees, questions about documents shredded that day, videos taken by federal employees at the ranch, and testimony by Dan Love who was terminated by the BLM. Much of this should have been included in discovery and given to defense attorneys at all three trials, but it wasn’t. Various federal employees have also testified that they do not recall important details. The third trial has been postponed for a week due to these issues.

Todd Engel is due to be sentenced on December 22. The charges call for about 33 months, but the prosecution is going for 20 years. Todd now has a good attorney who is willing to work for expenses, but he does need those costs covered.

If you would like to help Todd pay for his attorney, this is the link set up by his sister – PayPal.me/Freedom4Todd  Any amount will help. I was at Todd’s detention hearing in Idaho after he was arrested, but I couldn’t attend his trial, so I just donated towards his attorney.

The following live-stream video is by Andrea Parker, wife of defendant Eric Parker, and Kelli Cooper, Todd’s sister. There is more information here, and Kelli reads a letter from Todd. (There is no sound the first minute or so, and Andrea starts over when that is corrected.)

 

Update on Todd Engel. He has found a lawyer for sentencing. Needs helpPayPal.me/Freedom4ToddSound comes in a minute in the video

Posted by Andrea Olson-Parker on Thursday, November 9, 2017

Photo: Todd Engel in his natural habitat. He has been in prison since he (and many others) were arrested in early March, 2016. The photo is from facebook.

More articles here in chronological order:

Constitution is BANNED in Federal Courthouse

by Shari Dovale March 21, 2017 The trial for the Political Prisoners in Las Vegas, Nevada continues this week. The prosecution has presented their case over 5 weeks, even extending it beyond what they originally stated. Judge Gloria Navarro has allowed the prosecution much leeway, but has ruled that the defendants will not need the same concessions. She has micro-managed the defense case repeatedly and has now decided the six defendants will only need a week to present their case.

UPDATES on Bunkerville Trial – Shutting Down The Defense

by Shari Dovale  With the reports coming out if the courtroom in Las Vegas, Nevada, it is obvious that the defendants will not be allowed a fair trial. Some of the key testimony the defense was planning has been denied them.

Judge Navarro Pushes Defense To Rest Case in Bunkerville Trial

by Shari Dovale  It has been two days that the defense has been attempting to present their case to the jury in the Bunkerville trial being held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Out of these two days, the jury has been in the courtroom about 15 minutes, or so. The remaining time has been filled with frustrations from the defendants and laughter from the Judge and prosecutors.

Jury Begins Deliberations in Nevada Protest Trial – Bunkerville

by Shari Dovale  The Bunkerville protest trial, first round, is coming to end. The closing statements have been given over the past two days. Each attorney spoke well and powerfully for their client. Todd Engel, the only defendant to represent himself, had a short and emotional closing statement for the jury. However, nearly every sentence he uttered was objected to by the prosecution. It was obvious that the prosecutors were trying to ‘rattle’ him to keep him from being effective.

Did Judge Navarro Manipulate The Verdicts?

By Shari Dovale April 27, 2017  The first tier defendants in the Bundy-Bunkerville Protest Trial completed this week with mixed verdicts. The jury found former FBI Informant Greg Burleson guilty on 8 of 10 charges, with brandishing enhancements for the firearms charges. Additionally, the jury found Todd Engel of Boundary County, Idaho, guilty of 2 of the charges against him.

Navarro Cuts Defendants Rights to TWO – Bunkerville Retrial

THE BEDROCK OF OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS UNDER ATTACK IN THIS LAS VEGAS FEDERAL COURTROOM. by Shari Dovale During the first trial of the Bunkerville defendants, this past March, Judge Gloria Navarro made the specific point to Todd Engel that, in her courtroom, defendants have only three rights. In happened after Engel, who was representing himself as was his right to do, asked the unforgivable question, “Is it true that [Special Agent In Charge] Dan Love is under criminal investigation?”

The prosecution threw fits, yelling objections. Navarro not only sustained their objections, but stripped Engel of his right to self-representation. Navarro told Engel that he had lost his privilege to self-representation and was no longer allowed to talk in her courtroom.

She went on to say that, “As a defendant, you have only THREE rights.”

She said that he had the right to:

1. Plead Guilty


2. Testify on his own behalf


3. Appeal his conviction

Is Prosecution Retaliating Against Todd Engel? – Bunkerville

TODD ENGEL’S ARE THE LEAST SERIOUS OF ALL THE CHARGES, AND DO NOT CARRY ENHANCEMENTS OR MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING. by Shari Dovale  November 5, 2017  Todd Engel is one of the Bunkerville defendants that will face Judge Gloria Navarro in a sentencing hearing. Out of a 16-count indictment, Engel was charged with 10 counts and convicted of 2 counts after his trial earlier this year.

 

The post Bunkerville Political Prisoner Todd Engel Needs Our Help appeared first on Oath Keepers.

Is Prosecution Retaliating Against Todd Engel? – Bunkerville

TODD ENGEL’S ARE THE LEAST SERIOUS OF ALL THE CHARGES, AND DO NOT CARRY ENHANCEMENTS OR MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING.

by Shari Dovale  November 5, 2017

Todd Engel is one of the Bunkerville defendants that will face Judge Gloria Navarro in a sentencing hearing.

Out of a 16-count indictment, Engel was charged with 10 counts and convicted of 2 counts after his trial earlier this year.

These are the least serious of all the charges, and do not carry enhancements or mandatory minimum sentencing.

Greg Burleson was also convicted during the same trial, though he was convicted of 8 of 10 charges, including enhancements.

To keep it in perspective, let’s start by showing the actual results:

Engel was convicted of:

• Count 12- Obstruction of Justice


• Count 16- Interstate Travel & aide to Extortion

Neither of these charges are firearms related, nor do they have enhancements attached. Let me explain why this is important.

The government powers-that-be are preparing for Engel’s sentencing. However, they are acting as if they are targeting Engel in a possibly unethical, and questionably legal, pre-sentencing report.

Burleson’s mandatory minimums total 57 years, which leaves 11 years for his remaining charges. Engel has only 2 charges, yet they want to make him serve over 20 years for them. Does that really add up?

Engel explains below in his own words, what the guidelines are versus what they should be. There is always some leeway for the judge’s discretion, but this has gone way beyond that.

Engel should be nearing his release date, yet the prosecutors, that have been showing a very poor record at conviction for this protest, seem to be trying to make up for it in one fell swoop.

Are they are trying to sidestep the actual trial, and sentence him to serve time for crimes for which he was not convicted?

The people are on his side, as well as our elected officials:

Redoubt News


If you believe in the mission of Oath Keepers, to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, please make a donation to support our work.  You can donate HERE.

The post Is Prosecution Retaliating Against Todd Engel? – Bunkerville appeared first on Oath Keepers.

Charge	Burleson	Engel
Count 1 – Conspiracy to Commit an Offense Against the United States	NOT Guilty	NOT Guilty
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Impede or Injure a Federal Officer	NOT Guilty	NOT Guilty
Count 5- Assault on Federal Officer	Guilty	NOT Guilty
Count 6- Use and Carry of a firearm	Guilty and jury found in addition Guilty of brandishing his weapon.	NOT Guilty
Count 8- Threatening a Federal Officer	Guilty	NOT Guilty
Count 9-Use & Carry of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence	Guilty and jury found in addition Guilty of brandishing his weapon.	NOT Guilty
Count 12- Obstruction of Justice	Guilty	Guilty
Count 4- Interference of Commerce & Extortion	Guilty	NOT Guilty
Count 15- Use & Carry of a Firearm	Guilty and jury found in addition Guilty of brandishing his weapon.	NOT Guilty
Count 16- Interstate Travel & aide to Extortion	Guilty	Guilty

MISTRIAL in Bunkerville Protest Trial

by Shari Dovale

The verdicts are in for the first tier defendants in the Bunkerville Protest trial.

There are 6 defendants facing 10 counts each. There are potentially over 70 counts the collective defendants could be found guilty on. This includes separate “brandishing” enhancements to each of the three firearms charges.

The jury has announced they are hopelessly deadlocked on most of the charges, including the charges of conspiracy. Judge Gloria Navarro has declared a mistrial on those charges.

Though the jury is in disagreement about most of the charges, they have reached consensus on the following:

Greg Burleson, the former FBI informant, has been found guilty on 8 out of 10 charges. Additionally, he was found guilty of brandishing associated with each of the 3 firearms charges he was found guilty on.

Todd Engel, of Boundary County Idaho, has been found guilty on 2 charges. These charges are to do with obstruction of justice and interstate travel to aid in extortion.

• 
  
  • Count 6- Use and Carry of a firearm: Greg Burleson is found guilty and jury found in addition guilty of brandishing his weapon.
    Hung jury, No verdict on all others.
  
  
  • Count 8- Threatening a Federal Officer
    Greg Burleson is found guilty.
    Hung jury, No verdict on all others.
  
  
  • Count 9-Use & Carry of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence
    Greg Burleson is found guilty and jury found in addition guilty of brandishing his weapon.
    Hung jury, No verdict on all others.
  
  
  • Count 12- Obstruction of Justice
    Greg Burleson is found guilty
    Todd Engel is found guilty
    Hung jury, No verdict on all others.
  
  
  • Count 4- Interference of Commerce & Extortion
    Greg Burleson is found guilty.
    Hung jury, No verdict on all others.
  
  
  • Count 15- Use & Carry of a Firearm
    Greg Burleson is found guilty and jury found in addition guilty of brandishing his weapon.
    Hung jury, No verdict on all others.
  
  
  • Count 16- Interstate Travel & aide to Extortion
    Greg Burleson is found guilty
    Todd Engel is found guilty
    Hung jury, No verdict on all others.
  
  
  • Jury instructed under Allen charge to deliberate further on all ‘Hung Jury’ charges they were unable to unanimously decide.
  
  

The jury came back last week to ask for more clarification of the definition of conspiracy. The judge was, apparently, not clear enough for the jury on this charge as they have not been able to reach an agreement to any conspiracy.

Each charge these defendants have faced is a felony with mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines.

Todd Engel was convicted of two of the smallest charges that were listed. They are, basically, stemming from his internet postings, or emails. He is expected to receive minimum sentencing, possibly time served or probation.

Greg Burleson was found guilty of all charges with the exception of the conspiracy charges. He was also given the enhancements for “Brandishing” to each of the 3 firearms charges. These mandatory guidelines require him to serve so much time that there is no chance of him leaving prison during his lifetime.

Navarro has scheduled sentencing dates for the two defendants today. Burleson is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26^th and Engel is scheduled for the following day, July 27^th.

May 25^th has been set for more information on the next round of this trial. The defendants are expected to be returned to Pahrump detention, though they plan to argue for release pending the new trial.

There has been a great team in Las Vegas keeping everyone up to date on everything that has happened. It is hard to name them all, but each one is very appreciated. Here are some of today’s updates:

Andrea Parker shares a synopsis of this morning’s verdicts here:

John Lamb, who has been reporting since the start of the trial, reports here:

MISTRIAL DECLEARED IN 1ST NEVADA TRIAL questions from jurors as they work on the verdict

Posted by John Lamb on Monday, April 24, 2017

 
From REDOUBT NEWS

Jury Begins Deliberations in Nevada Protest Trial – Bunkerville

by Shari Dovale

The Bunkerville protest trial, first round, is coming to end. The closing statements have been given over the past two days. Each attorney spoke well and powerfully for their client.

Todd Engel, the only defendant to represent himself, had a short and emotional closing statement for the jury. However, nearly every sentence he uttered was objected to by the prosecution. It was obvious that the prosecutors were trying to ‘rattle’ him to keep him from being effective.

They would object to his use of pronouns, to his stating that he arrived in Nevada at a certain time, to his claim that he had breakfast that morning, etc. At last count, there had been 20 objections with only 1 being ruled in Engels favor by Judge Navarro.

Even with all of the attempts to disrupt his statement to the jury, Engel did very well.

The defense attorneys seemed to have finally found their groove with the closings. Jess Marchese, representing Eric Parker, was able to get a 45 minute video by Pete Santilli entered into evidence, to the disgruntlement of the prosecution team. Marchese got the entire video entered, though he only planned on playing a minute of it while on the record.

The prosecutors actually let this one get by them until it was too late. Judge Navarro, of course, did not see a problem with it because the prosecution didn’t object. Marchese did say he was going to recommend to the jury that they watch the entire video during the deliberations.

This video includes footage of the cows being slaughtered by the BLM, Ammon Bundy being tazed, Margaret Houston being thrown to the ground, and more. This is crucial information that the defense has been attempting to get in front of the jury, however, Judge Navarro has been accepting the government’s objections to this point and keeping it out.

The government did not limit their objections to just one or two closing statements. They were objecting to all of them, though Engel seemed to receive the majority. The prosecutors objected to Steven Stewart’s attorney when he tried to quote Benjamin Franklin. The objection was that there was no evidence that Stewart himself ever read the quote. Judge Navarro agreed with the government.

Navarro agreed with the government’s objection to Scott Drexler’s attorney, Todd Leventhal, using videos in his closing because Drexler did not testify. The video he was attempting to use was the “Longbow” video interview that had been entered into evidence by the prosecution.

The question was even asked, though objected to, “Where is Dan Love?”

Leventhal ended his statements with the quote, “If you don’t stand for something then you will fall for anything.” Let’s hope the jury got the message.

These are some of the examples of the rulings the judge has been making in her attempt to stack the deck against the defendants.

All sides have rested. The case has been given to the jury and deliberations have begun.

From Redoubt News

John Lamb contributed to this report.

Judge Navarro Says Defendants Have Only 3 Rights – Bunkerville Standoff Trial

By Shari Dovale and John Lamb

Todd Engel, of Boundary County, Idaho, is among those fighting for his life in a Federal Courtroom in Nevada.

Todd Engel (photo: Facebook)

Engel has been representing himself, and do very well by all accounts, in the Bunkerville Standoff Trial being held in Las Vegas. He is well spoken, articulate, and personable. His arguments are well thought out and relevant.

In describing the events on April 12, 2014, he told of how everyone thought it was over, and the cows were to be released. “It was festive. It was flags and cowboys,” said Engel in his opening statement. “It doesn’t get more down home than that.” But, they soon learned that it was not true. The FBI and The BLM were still there, threatening all the protesters.

Engel had decided to represent himself after his attorney, John George, showed less-than-professional representation. There are reports of this attorney actually falling asleep during court and walking out in the middle of proceedings.

During this week’s court proceedings, Engel cross examined an FBI agent. The prosecution objected to Engel’s questions over 50 times, yet, Todd did not allow himself to get flustered. Towards the end of his questioning, Engel asked, “Is it true that [Special Agent In Charge] Dan Love is under criminal investigation?”

The prosecution blew a gasket. All four prosecutors stood up yelling objections. They claim that Engel violated rules that prohibit the defense from discussing the criminal investigation of Love. All of this was stated in front of the jury.

Judge Gloria Navarro not only sustained their objections, but she took it a step further. Navarro told Engel that he had lost his privilege to self-representation and must now allow his standby attorney to handle all court business. Engel was no longer allowed to talk in her courtroom.

If this wasn’t bad enough, Navarro went even further on Thursday.

At the end of the day, Engel stood to make a plea to Judge Navarro. Contrite and soft spoken, he begged to be allowed to defend himself in this trial.

Attorney George was less than impressive throughout the day, spending only a few minutes on cross examination of witnesses. Engel states that George did not comply with any of his requests, and is not representing him well.

Judge Navarro berated Engel and said that he cannot tell his attorney how to defend him. “It is up to him. It is his discretion.”

Not only did Navarro deny his request, she laid out the only rights that she would allow him to have.

Navarro told Engel that she would decide if he would be given the privilege of delivering his own closing arguments, and that would be based on her interpretation of his behavior and attitude through the rest of the trial.

Then, she went on to tell him that, “You, as a defendant, have only THREE rights.”

:She said that he had the right to:

1. Plead Guilty


2. Testify on his own behalf


3. Appeal his conviction

That’s it. Three rights is all he is allowed, by Navarro’s royal decree.

This same judge has banned the US Constitution in her courtroom.

Navarro refused to let him speak after this. She said that she would not listen to anything from him again, and he was not to address her again.

As soon as she finished chastising him, and stripping him of all of his God-given, Constitutionally-guaranteed rights, she adjourned the court. I am told that this was all said on the record.

These men have been incarcerated for a year or more. They have been denied bail. They have been denied a speedy trial. They have been denied the right to face their accuser (Dan Love). And so much more.

They are being denied all protections under the US Constitution by this Federal Judge.

Where is the law of the land? It is not in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Bill of Rights

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.