Thomas Piatek is seen fourth on second row

Prosecutors said that 46 guns, military survival equipment and thousands of rounds of ammunition had been seized at the home of Thomas Piatek, 46, at a hearing in Indiana. But according to Piatek’s attorney his client is guilty. “Just because he hangs out with those guys doesn’t mean he agrees with all of their views,” Jerry Flynn said. But according to Assistant U.S. Atty. Dean Lanter, Piatek was part of the the “inner circle” of Hutaree and had participated in three training sessions for firearms and bomb-making in Michigan. He was identified in a picture of Hutaree members wearing camouflage and holding guns, Lanter said. (latimes.com)

His family reached out saying that he would never participate in violent acts against the government, and that he was a good-natured man. They also said that “Piatek never expressed extreme anti-government views and that he often talked about his activities in Michigan, describing them as “playing army.” “I knew he went up there and played army, but I didn’t know anything about the overthrowing of government,” said a childhood friend, James Duha. (latimes.com)

Other eight members of the Hutaree militia, including alleged ringleader David Brian Stone, 45, have been arrested since the series of raids in Michigan. They face seditious conspiracy charges and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.