| Failed Sting May Have Been Entrapment… |
GRNC has been monitoring progress of investigation into the botched 2009-2013 multi-agency sting operation code-named “Something Bruin”.
Agencies involved include the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service and North Carolina and Georgia state wildlife agencies. The four year, multimillion undercover operation was claimed necessary to stop “known” bear poaching rings operating in North Carolina and Georgia.
Victims recount “Gestapo-like” tactics
In February, 2013 dozens of agents in tactical gear carrying automatic weapons raided suspects’ homes reportedly seizing everything from firearms, hunting equipment and mounted trophies, to boats, machinery and even toys. Reports are that these raids were conducted without warrants, homes were maliciously ransacked, and residents, including children, terrified.
Ultimately, 81 people were charged with 980 violations. Ten plead guilty to federal misdemeanors, possibly under pressure to avoid costs associated with a jury trial. Only one serious charge, illegally transporting a bear carcass, has resulted in a conviction, after initial dismissal in district court. The illegal transport across state lines in question was apparently done by an undercover agent. The conviction is currently being appealed.
A three-part media series explaining the case is available on YouTube.
Evidence of Entrapment Accumulates
Sworn testimony during trials and hearings have suggested a pattern of luring hunters to assist undercover officers in illegal activity – the illegal acts themselves being committed by the agents. If true, this is entrapment on the part of the officers involved, that is itself a crime.
Citizens victimized by Operation Something Bruin have filed formal complaints with the federal government.
US Rep. Mark Meadows to Investigate Complaints
US Congressman Mark Meadows representing North Carolina’s western 11th District has scheduled a formal hearing to investigate complaints of wrongdoing. A subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will meet Tuesday, June 16 at 10:30 am in the Haywood County courthouse.
Records of all documents and communications by all agencies related to Operation Something Bruin have been subpoenaed prior to the hearing. These records promise to reveal the truth about how this ill-fated sting was conducted.
Seized Property Finally Returned
Ms. Linda Crisp who’s home was involved in the February, 2013 raids reports that property seized was finally returned by the US Forest Service in February, 2015. She reports that confiscated firearms were returned in poor, rusted condition, some with parts missing. Trophy deer and hogs heads with sentimental value were returned with capes off some, as well as antlers broken or sawed off. These had been collected prior to the initiation of the sting operation in 2009. Damaged items will be on exhibit at the June 19th hearing.
Show solidarity with Bruingate victims
The upcoming hearing presents an opportunity for GRNC supporters to participate in helping get to the bottom of what really happened during Operation Something Bruin, and to support those victimized in the heavy-handed operation. All who are able to make it to the Haywood County courthouse in Waynesville, NC are strongly encouraged to attend the Tuesday morning hearing.
| IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED! |
- Make plans to attend the Congressional hearing on Operation Something Bruin Tuesday, June 16, at 10:30 AM.
- Email Rep. Meadows and thank him for investigating this troubling government operation.
CONTACT INFO
The Operation Something Bruin hearing will be held
Tuesday, June 16, at 10:30 AM, in the Haywood County Courthouse, 285 N. Main St., Suite 1500, Waynesville, NC 28786. Driving directions can be found HERE or at: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=285+N+Main+St&city=Waynesville&state=NC&zipcode=28786
Rep. Meadows may be contacted via his webform (use zipcode 28713) HERE or at: https://meadows.house.gov/contact/email-me
Suggested Subject: “Thank you for investigating ‘Something Bruin’”
Dear Representative Meadows:
As free Americans it is essential that we are able to trust our government officials to use their authority properly. This trust requires that evidence of wrongdoing is thoroughly and openly investigated.
I am grateful to you and other members of your committee for your willingness to get to the bottom of what really happened during ‘Operation Something Bruin’. Your efforts will help maintain the trust of Americans in their government.
Sincerely,
| Lies Told by Moms Demanding Action |
Click here to learn the full details of the deceptions spread by the so-called Moms Demanding Action (or rather Moms Demanding Gun Bans).
Additional Skills Needed for the
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A person is needed to expand the GRNC alert team. Good writing skills is a must along with the ability to coordinate with personnel at various levels. Knowledge of HTML and ability to manipulate HTML style emails on the code level. Strong understanding of desktop publishing concepts and Microsoft Office tools. Person should be able to translate legal, political, technical and firearms jargon into layman’s terms and make the public care about the issue. Familiarity of a mass emailing system like Constant Contact is a nice to have.
If interested, please contact GRNC via the following e-mail address: alert@grnc.org
| Copyright Info |
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| GRNC Sponsors |
Support these PRO RKBA merchants who, as GRNC sponsors, are supporting your Second Amendment rights:
| Corporate Benefactors |
The Range at Ballantyne, 704-896-3155, 10913 Bailey Road, Cornelius, NC, www.therangeatballantyne.com
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NCGunOwners.com, North Carolina’s friendliest firearm smartphone app and web forum, working to promote gun ownership in NC www.NCGunOwners.com
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| Corporate Patrons |
Take Aim Training, Outdoor Rifle, Handgun, Shotgun, and Archery Range located in the heart of the Carolinas. We offer Concealed carry, hunter education, and many other courses. NC & SC firearms sales and transfers. Listen to the Take Aim Training Show or online www.wixe1190.com Thursdays 4-5PM. – www.takeaimtraining.com
MK Shows, Mike Kent, PO Box 685, Monroe, GA 30655, Mike@MKShows.com, Phone: 770-630-7296, MKShows.com
Morris Firearms at Sportsman’s Lodge, Great handgun prices. New and used guns. Stocking dealer for Glock, Smith & Wesson, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, Bond Arms, Ruger, Dan Wesson and more. Buy, sell & trade. Phone: 336-961-6800 Fax: 336-961-6801. www.gftc.com
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Holsters & Stuff, 4048 Sherwood Forest Drive, Trinity, NC 27370, (336) 313-6167 www.holstersandstuff.com
DoubleD Media, 8300 Raintree Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277, ph: 704-650-5555, fx: 704-544-0326 donna@doubledme.com
Gunner’s Alley, LLC, 203 N. Harrison Ave., Ste. 130, Cary, NC 27513, www.gunnersalley.com, 919-388-1991, contact: Ed Guerriero, ed@gunnersalley.com
| Corporate Sponsors |
TacticalGearOps, tacticalgearops.com – sales@tacticalgearops.com – (888) 285-2649
The Aisle Pawn Shop, 216 N. Main St., Mooresville, NC 28115, 704-663-5656
Duncan Gun & Pawn, 414 Second St., North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, 336-667-6303, www.duncangun.com
Shooter’s Express, 2 Caldwell Dr., Belmont, NC 28012, 800-358-GUNS, www.shootersexpress.com
Vanguard Security Consulting, LLC, 19135 W. Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
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