Federal authorities on Thursday arrested a Rochester man for his role in a standoff by Nevada ranchers opposed to federal control of public lands.
Jerry Delemus, a New Hampshire Tea Party activist and co-chair of New Hampshire Veterans for Donald Trump, remains in federal custody after being charged with conspiracy, obstruction, assault and making threats during the 2014 armed standoff involving Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy.
Jerry Delemus's indictment describes the former Marine as a mid-level leader and organizer of the conspiracy, who led used guns and threats of violence to intimidate and interfere with federal law enforcement officers. He briefly appeared in US District Court Thursday.
Delemus is scheduled to appear in US District Court in Concord Monday for a detention hearing. Jonathan Saxe, Delemus's court appointed lawyer, says Delemus could choose to move the hearing in Nevada.
"The question is, where does he want detention hearing. You know there are benefits to having it there and there are benefits to having it here."
Delemus’s wife Susan, a Rochester State Rep. attended his hearing yesterday, as did several dozen supporters. They clasped hands and prayed in a circle outside the courtroom, and broke into "God Bless America" when Delemus was led away in custody at the hearings close.