No never heard that. My personal connection with Gilchrist was helping him with his computer list in his home. He lives right across the I-5 from me. The Minutemen were effective in patrolling the border until Gilchrist's main lieutenant decided to start his own Minuteman org (can't remember his name). Gilchrist and his co-founder, Chris Simcox of Tombstone never copy writed or trademarked the name.
The branch off org guy wanted more physical enforcement with weapons and deadly fire, while the original Minutemen just patrolled to inform Border Patrol. While the confusion of competing orgs was diminishing the volunteers, Chris Simcox was charged and convicted with molestation of a minor. I had pulled out before that happened.
Don't know what Gilchrist is doing now. Too bad it went to crap because it was very effective and well organized and a chapter was beginning to form in Texas. You had to have a legit reference and photo ID to get a badge to go to the border.
The original Minutemen had very strict rules of conduct. They would sit in their chairs on hilltops or on top of RV's with binoculars and radios to report to Border Patrol. BP actually thanked them for making such an effort and said hundreds of illegals had been stopped when looking at those old farts on their RV's.
The faux Minuteman guy thought he was Wild Bill with his posse. There is always some ass who screws things up, not to mention Simcox being charged and convicted of child molestation.
I'd like to see such an organization formed again with known reputable people in the areas most open. They could start with a different name: Civilian Border Watch or other.
Wild Bill and Posse,,,
I bet I know who That is.