FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	AG

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1998                                                                                                                          (202) 616-2777

                                                                                                                                                                                TDD (202) 514-1888




STATEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE


ON TONIGHT'S GUILTY VERDICTS IN THE MONTANA FREEMEN TRIAL





	WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A federal jury in Montana tonight found
five Montana Freemen guilty of criminal charges in the first
trial stemming from the 81-day standoff two years ago.  A sixth
man was acquitted.  

	The defendants were charged with acting as accessories
during the standoff by preventing the arrest of other individuals who 
were charged with crimes.  

	During the standoff, law enforcement authorities implemented
new procedures adopted by Attorney General Janet Reno and FBI
Director Louis Freeh.  The standoff ended peacefully.  

	The Justice Department issued the following statement:




	"We are pleased the jury has reached this verdict.  The rule
of law has prevailed.  Today's verdict shows that our system of
justice works."







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