Burgert Pleads Guilty to Weapons Violations
Flathead-area militia activist Dave Burgert pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges in May. The charges originated from a standoff Burgert engaged in with law enforcement in 2002 that led to the discovery of "Project 7," a militia group.
In early 2002, Burgert jumped bail while awaiting trial for a physical altercation he had with law officers at his home in 2001. When police caught up with him, he threatened to kill himself with an illegal machine gun, eventually surrendering to authorities after six hours. The ensuing investigation uncovered Project 7, named after the number on Flathead County license plates. The group was reportedly stockpiling illegal weapons and ammunition, along with compiling a hit list of local criminal justice employees. Burgert is the alleged leader of the group.
The weapons charges that Burgert pleaded guilty to are separate from the activities of Project 7. However, the FBI confirmed an investigation into Project 7 is ongoing. Instead, the weapons violations originated from the illegal machine gun Burgert was arrested with after the 2002 standoff. His guilty pleas were for charges of being a felon possessing a firearm and possessing an illegal machine gun. His plea was part of an agreement stating he must cooperate with law enforcement investigations. Sentencing has been set for September 2003, and Burgert faces up to 20 years in prison.
Burgert has a long and antagonistic relationship with law enforcement. Before appearing in court on charges of assaulting a police officer and obstructing an officer in January 2001, the Militia of Montana circulated an e-mail by Burgert asking Flathead County "patriots" to attend the hearing and provide a "physical presence." While waiting for final resolution of these charges, Burgert jumped bail in February 2002. In the end, the charges of obstruction and assault were combined with a charge of bail jumping. The charges of assault and obstruction were dropped, and Burgert pleaded guilty to bail jumping but received no jail time.
In November 2001, Burgert was involved in an incident during a traffic stop with the police and was charged with obstructing an officer and resisting arrest. He eventually received a year in prison and was required to pay court costs.