Posted on 06/17/2014 3:41:05 AM PDT by rarestia
An FBI manhunt is ongoing for the 55-year-old Valrico man wanted on federal charges of manufacturing illegal weapons.
The search for Martin Winters ranged from Plant City to Lithia on Monday. Officials say Winters, described as "extremeley dangerous" is the subject of an FBI investigation.
There currently is no law enforcement presence in the area.
Agents say Winters was illegally obtaining assault rifles and building pipe bombs.
Federal agents dressed in camouflage gear and holding rifles kept their eyes on an area of woods off Lithia Pinecrest Road Monday evening.
According to authorities, Winters was approached by authorities while in his vehicle just before 9 a.m. Monday on Cheryl Court in Plant City. Officials said Winters got out of his vehicle and ran into a wooded area near Durant High School, which was briefly locked down.
A SWAT team and helicopters were brought in but Winters got away.
Officials said there is an outstanding federal arrest warrant for Winters. According to a federal indictment, Winters is accused of "making destructive devices.”
Investigators said Winter's plan included killing government agents if he or any member of his group were attacked. Winters is described as a Doomsday prepper, and officials said he buried weapons, ammunition and zip-locked food around several of his properties to to prepare for what he called the end of time.
The federal affidavit points out a YouTube video that shows a man they believed to be Winters digging up one of the many 55 gallons barrels on his and other properties near his home.
The federal affidavit goes on to say Winters is part of a group called the River Otter Preppers, and that he had a plan to kill government agents when he needed to. Investigators say he also made statements about creating booby traps at his home in Valrico, then shooting law enforcement officers when they tried to run away.
Winters was indicted in October on four counts of building destructive devices. He has been under government surveillance since then, according to the FBI.
According to officials, Winters told an undercover agent he had 50 AR-15 rifles buried on his property and other properties. The agent also said Winters told him he wanted to burn his house down and then shoot agents as they arrived to the scene.
Winters also said he had at least 40 men that were willing to participate in his "last stand," officials said.
Having "50 AR-15s" buried around his property along with food, etc. is not a federal crime. The worst he's done is run from cops trying to talk to/arrest him. Otherwise, I've not read any information that indicates he's committed a crime. The fed's entire case is built around hearsay, from what I've read and heard on TV/radio.
I live nearby. Contacts were telling me about the massive Fed presence.
Either someone hit the panic button thinking it was another school shooting...
Or something to do with the anti-2AM agenda push: “Look at those bitter clingers out there!”
Right. Sure.
I get that set-up smell, too. If they had been in contact with this guy long enough to gain sufficient confidence to get him to disclose that he has caches scattered around, they could have picked him up almost any time.
Now the fox is loose and the hounds are baying...
I am becoming so cynical, that I do not believe there is even one federal agent who is capable of telling the truth, or who is honorable. Is that pretty close to the truth?
It’s another one of these type operations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_City_Seven
Cant just sit around munching donuts all day, sometimes you have to manufacture a terror plot
Look at the picture - Now that guy is MY TYPE OF PREPPER.
It seems the case is built around an informant. One wonders exactly how this ‘informant’ came to be aware of the activities authorities assert.
Seems to me that the government is actively infiltrating groups and not just bystanders in creating the environment for the concerns indicated in the article.
The early activities bringing about Ruby Ridge come to mind.
Now this guy is preparing to defend his Oath.
You’re not alone, FRiend.
I trust my gut more than the enemedia or the feds.
The area is around Tampa, Florida for those that are interested.
Seems to me that the government is actively infiltrating groups and not just bystanders in creating the environment for the concerns indicated in the article.
The russian people used to have a saying, something along the lines of :
If you are in a conspiracy and you are not the informant then the others are.
It’s a lot like poker, if you can’t spot the patsy at the table then you are the ‘Patsy’.
He’s made a laughing stock out of the FBI.
Of course they are.
The FedGov NEEDS these type of events. It furthers their agenda.
Most of the prepper groups have informants or undercover agents who attend meetings. I used to attend one group. Had firefighters, off duty cops and so forth who seemed to be legit.
Also, had people who would spout off anti-govt statements advocating violence. Happened several times and they were usually asked to leave if they didn’t stop. IMO they were informants seeking to instigate.
Question for the FBI, "What are people supposed to do when they are attacked?" Apparently, it is now a crime to state that if the government attacks you, you intend to fight back.
Who doesn't? part of be professional, Be polite, Have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
I’m in the Tampa area.
The FBIs answer is that you are supposed to submit. Anything else is a crime.
Its also a very common theme on FR. Submit or be killed.
The indictment said the charges were for the manufacture of of 5 ‘firearms’ with a bore larger than .5 inches.
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