Separatist Leader’s Conviction Voided

A Texas appeals court in El Paso overturned convictions against the leader of the separatist Republic of Texas militia group and a top aide, saying the evidence against them was legally insufficient. Richard McLaren was sentenced in 1997 to 99 years in prison on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity by ordering the kidnapping of a married couple, an incident that led to a seven-day armed standoff with law enforcement officers. But the state appeals court overturned that conviction and acquitted McLaren. “There is simply no evidence that McLaren was a direct participant in the abduction. We reverse the decision and render a judgment of acquittal,” it said in its ruling. The court also acquitted Robert “White Eagle” Otto, a top aide to McLaren, who had been sentenced to 50 years on similar charges.