Anti-Government Protestor Arrested

December 23, 2011

A member of an Arizona anti-government group known as the "Sovereign Movement" has been arrested - from Phoenix, KJZZ's Lynn Kelly reports.

The FBI says forty-six-year-old Shawn Rice of Seligman was previously indicted on money laundering, tax evasion and weapons charges.  Rice was arrested, after barricading himself inside a residence and negotiating with authorities throughout the day, Thursday, before finally giving up.

According to the FBI, the "Sovereign Movement'' members believe they do not have to pay taxes and think the federal government tricked Americans into obtaining Social Security cards, driver's licenses and car registrations.  Rice was indicted in 2009 along with three other group members.

Rice was taken to Coconino County Jail.  He is scheduled to make his initial appearance this morning before a U.S. magistrate in Flagstaff.