A US Magistrate in Washington has ordered a Wylie man held without bond until his trial for his role on the capitol insurrection. Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui told Guy Wesley Reffitt he has the opportunity to appeal the finding.
The ruling follows new papers filed by federal prosecutors that painted a far more detailed pictured of Reffitt's involvement in, not only planning for the demonstration, but planning for a takeover of the government.
Reffitt was a member of the "'3%er'militia organization known as the 'Texas Three Percenters'." the papers say
The papers say Reffitt went so far as to form a private security company to get access to law enforcement grade ammunition and gear. In one message to a possible recruit to the militia, Reffitt explained "We now have a new secure webpage [redacted]. Go and sign up. We have a ladies group that are training for the exact skills that you Both excel at. The battle rattle equipment is also another variant we are working on. I have a new security business to circumvent the 2nd Amendment issue. TTP Security Services LLC. Website is under construction but business is licensed with Secretary of State, Texas DPS, and Texas Board of Private Security. We can get ammo and weapons available to law enforcement. We have an interior certified training officer. Join us and lets take back our country. The fight has only just begun…" the papers say.
"He's certainly shown himself to be a danger, certainly an intent to cause harm and the means to do it." said Matthew Orwig, a former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas who is now a criminal defense attorney.
Prosecutors had filed previous papers alleging that Reffitt had threatened his family members with physical harm if they cooperated with the FBI. In one instance, he threatened to "put a bullet through (his daughter's) phone.
"The nature of the defendant's offense conduct shows he would be a danger to the community generally, and to his own children in particular, if released." the papers said.
Reffitt's defense attorney, in opposing detention, filed papers that suggested much of what Reffitt was claiming was mere boasting. "Accordingly, the Court should be extremely skeptical of believing just anything posted on the internet, bragging, and comments in the news media," the defense filing said. "Of course, none of such things are under oath."
The defense provided 10 letters to the judge from friends and family members who say Reffitt is not a threat.
While dozens are facing charges in connection with the January 6th riot, very few have been ordered held without bond. The judge has ordered a status conference for tomorrow.
