Militia Sympathizer’s Sentence Suspended Man Caught With Illegal Arsenal Provided Information To Agents

Dennis Stucker, a friend of militia activist Calvin Greenup who was caught with an arsenal of illegal weapons, tearfully said he was sorry Monday, and got a suspended sentence.

Prosecutors said it was not a slap on the wrist, however.

Stucker, appearing Monday before District Judge John Larson, vowed to never repeat his mistakes.

“This has been terrible on my wife and kid. You’ll never see me in a position like this again - I promise,” said Stucker.

Stucker has been in jail the past eight months. He was caught April 12 with an arsenal that included a fully automatic AK-47 assault rifle, three other rifles, four machetes, four handguns, 10 large knives, thousands of rounds of ammunition, black powder and a bulletproof vest.

At the time of the discovery, Stucker was on probation for a conviction of felony obstruction of justice, for helping his friend, self-styled patriot Calvin Greenup, flee the state. Possessing the weapons violated the terms of his probation.

The group of anti-government extremists had confrontations last spring with Bitterroot Valley law enforcement and county officials. Although a friend of Greenup, Stucker denied any ties to the militia.

Larson sentenced Stucker to 10 years in prison, but suspended all 10 years at the recommendation of the county attorney and sheriff.

While the sentence may appear lenient, Ravalli County Attorney George Corn said there are several extenuating circumstances that make the Stucker case unique.

Stucker helped a jailer while he was being attacked by another prisoner.

“He jumped into the middle of a fight that he didn’t have to get into,” said Corn.

Stucker also provided state and federal agents with information a criminal investigation they were conducting in Washington. He was forthright, truthful and candid with investigators, Corn said.

Corn also pointed out that the Darby man, if returned to prison, would likely be eligible for release within the next 12 to 18 months. Officials can better supervise him on probation, Corn said, and Larson agreed.

“Giving you a suspended sentence will allow us to monitor you - just in case you don’t take us seriously. … When you are not being checked by state authorities, you’ll be checked by federal authorities,” said Larson.

Stucker didn’t take the conditions of his probation serious at all the first time around, admitted David Stenerson, Stucker’s attorney.

“But he knows now what he’s done is totally unacceptable. He carries no grudge whatsoever against this court nor this system,” said Stenerson.

Sally McRae, district probation and parole officer, voiced concern about how probation officers can protect themselves when they check Stucker’s ranch. She pointed out how dangerous the situation was when she and David Black visited Stucker last spring, only to uncover the arsenal.

Larson imposed a requirement that Stucker and anyone else at his home must leave the house when a search begins.

“I’ll follow it explicitly,” replied Stucker. “I know it will take time to prove myself again and I will.”

Stucker still faces federal weapons charges.

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