Vigilante group ‘Oath Keepers’ arrested in Mexico Beach following Hurricane Michael

Vigilante group ‘Oath Keepers’ arrested in Mexico Beach following Hurricane Michael

By ZACK McDONALD
News Herald Reporter
Posted Oct 19, 2018 at 1:24 PM
Updated Oct 19, 2018 at 1:24 PM


MEXICO BEACH — A group of armed militia members identifying themselves with “The Oath Keepers” was arrested Thursday night for allegedly violating Bay County’s mandatory curfew put in place after Hurricane Michael, according to official reports.

Anthony Cusumano, 34, and Tammy Joan Crandield, 48, were charged with misdemeanor curfew violation while Thomas Hubert Terry, 34; Brian Charles Calkins, 31; and Charles Randall Moye, 44, were charged with violating the Bay County curfew and open carry of a firearm — both misdemeanors.

According to Bay County Sheriff’s Office reports, the group was driving around in Mexico Beach after the sundown curfew in a white Ford Crown Victoria and a maroon Nissan Frontier, patrolling the area. The Ford was dressed to look like a patrol cruiser and every member was wearing tactical clothing, including one vest that stated “tactical officer.”

When officers spoke with the group, they allegedly identified themselves as members of The Oath Keepers, a militia group that describes itself as non-partisan association of current and formerly serving military, police, and first responders, who pledge to fulfill the oath all military and police take to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” according to the website. The description further states the group’s allegiance is to the constitution, and they “will not obey” unconstitutional orders such as orders to disarm.

BCSO seized several semi-automatic assault rifles and a large cache of ammo from the group. They were then transported to the Bay County jail for booking.

BCSO Maj. Jimmy Stanford said the group wasn’t local to the Mexico Beach area.

“They’re out there patrolling the streets,” he said.

“They don’t know the area, they don’t know the community, they don’t know our laws, and that just lends itself to dangers.”

Stanford said the east side of Bay County, which is still suffering from widespread power outages, has a substantial police presence. All local officers continue to work more than 12-hour shifts daily and have assistance from hundreds of officers from outside agencies. Stanford said that people should protect their own property but do so while adhering to the law.

“We have a large presence, we’re seeing a decline in looting and stealing,” he said. “We hope to continue to see that. Please leave law enforcement to the professionals.”

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