FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: October 18, 2007 USMS Contact:   U.S. Marshal Stephen Monier Headquarters Public Affairs (603) 225 -1632 (202) 307-9344 ATF Contact: Special Agent in Charge Glenn N. Anderson (617) 557-1200 Boston Field Division IRS Contact: Public Information Officer Jessica Crocker (617) 316-2073   U.S. MARSHALS, ATF and IRS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS CONCLUDE SEARCH OF ED & ELAINE BROWN’S NH PROPERTY Teams of federal law enforcement officers, including members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, concluded their search of the Plainfield, NH, property formerly owned by Edward and Elaine Brown. The search and collection of evidence -- including the rendering safe of a large number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) -- was a painstaking process that lasted almost two weeks. Ed Brown, 65, and Elaine Brown, 67, were found guilty of federal tax charges on January 18, and received their sentences, in absentia, during an April 24, 2007, court hearing. The Browns refused to surrender to serve their 63-month sentences. Bolstered by several supporters, the couple remained at their 110-acre residence in Plainfield, vowing to violently resist arrest. A small team of Deputy U.S. Marshals, posing as supporters, arrested the Browns on the front porch of their home on Thursday evening, October 4, 2007. At a press briefing on October 5, U.S. Marshal Stephen Monier said that a protective sweep of the property conducted immediately after the arrests revealed a large number of IEDs inside and outside of the house, a large number of weapons and ammunition, and booby traps in the wood line around the grounds of the house. Agents from the ATF with particular expertise in handling explosives conducted a more thorough search of the property with their federal and state partners. The ATF Manchester Field Office, the Boston ATF Arson and Explosives Group, Special Agent Bomb Technicians and Explosive Enforcement Officers from the ATF National Response Team, along with Forensic Chemists from the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory in Washington, D.C., and ATF Explosive Detection Canine Teams, all responded to assist in the identification, rendering safe and cataloging of the numerous explosives, firearms and ammunition that were recovered. All explosives components were safely destroyed in nearby Cornish Flat, NH, with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad. “Following notification from the U.S. Marshals that the Browns had been arrested,” said Special Agent in Charge Glenn N. Anderson of the ATF Boston Field Division, “ATF quickly mobilized its resources to the Brown residence to safely remove any devices that could pose a hazard to anyone entering the property. Though a slow and painstaking process, safety was our first and foremost concern,” said Anderson. “All known IEDs have been properly disposed of, and are no longer a threat.” Douglas Bricker, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, expressed gratitude and praised the hard work and dedication of the U.S. Marshals and the other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies responsible for the safe apprehension of Ed and Elaine Brown. “The arrest was an example of good judgment, patience, and common sense,” Bricker said. The safety of the public, law enforcement personnel, and Mr. and Mrs. Brown remained the top priority throughout the entire process and we are thankful that justice was served in a peaceful manner.” “Moreover,” Bricker added, “honest American taxpayers deserve to know that there are consequences for individuals who intentionally evade their tax obligations. In this case, as in all cases, we operate through a system of justice where facts are presented and applied to the law. Law enforcement reacted to the Browns’ decision not to participate within that system. The threat of violence does not and cannot be permitted to deter the United States from enforcing our tax laws. IRS is responsible for and will continue to protect the revenue that our country depends on to operate.” Besides criminal penalties, a variety of other processes exist -- including asset forfeiture, civil tax liens, and civil tax penalties. The basic concept is to remove the incentive, profit, and benefit from individuals who do not follow the law. “Without repercussions like these, the majority of taxpayers who properly pay their share have to make up the gap for those who think our laws do not apply to them,” said Bricker. The Brown’s home and dental building have been seized, secured, posted, and are in the custody of the Treasury Department. The property will proceed through the usual asset forfeiture process and may ultimately be sold to satisfy the judgment imposed by the Court. Due to tax privacy laws, IRS cannot discuss the Browns’ specific civil tax issues, but information is available in public court records. Civil division IRS Revenue Officers and Revenue Agents work closely with IRS Special Agents on cases like this one to appropriately assess and collect tax revenue. Now that the search and rendering safe process has concluded, both properties have been secured and prominently posted with signs stating “No Trespassing – Government Property.” Anyone who enters, or attempts to enter the seized properties without permission from proper authorities is subject to arrest and prosecution. Because there are pending criminal cases against four individuals who allegedly aided the Browns in their effort to avoid being arrested, the government is limited in what can be disclosed. However, more information may be made public as these cases are litigated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.