The lead defendant in a federal case charging a white supremacist group with violence at political rallies has been extradited from Romania. Robert Paul Rundo, a founding member of the Rise Above Movement (RAM), was transported to the United States by special agents with the FBI. Rundo, along with two other defendants, is charged with conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act and one count of rioting. The indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in recruitment, combat training, and participated in attacks at political rallies. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case, and both the conspiracy and rioting charges carry maximum sentences of five years in federal prison.

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Lead Defendant Extradited from Romania in Federal Case

Charging White Supremacist Group with Violence at Political Rallies

On August 2, 2023, the lead defendant in a federal case charging three Southern California men linked to a white supremacy extremist group with planning and engaging in riots at political rallies across California was extradited to the United States from Romania. The Department of Justice announced that Robert Paul Rundo, 33, of Huntington Beach, a founding member of the Rise Above Movement (RAM), was transported by special agents with the FBI from Romania to Hollywood Burbank Airport and is now in federal custody. Rundo is expected to make his initial appearance and be arraigned in United States District Court in Los Angeles. The charges against Rundo and the other defendants include conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act and rioting. The trial date for this case is scheduled for December 12.

Indictment Details

Lead defendant extradited to the United States from Romania

The lead defendant in the case, Robert Paul Rundo, has been extradited to the United States from Romania and is now in federal custody. Rundo, a founding member of the Rise Above Movement (RAM), is alleged to have engaged in planning and engaging in riots at political rallies across California.

Defendant’s background and association with the Rise Above Movement (RAM)

Robert Paul Rundo is a 33-year-old resident of Huntington Beach and a founding member of the Rise Above Movement (RAM). RAM is a white supremacist organization that represents itself as a combat-ready, militant group of a new nationalist white supremacy and identity movement.

Charges against the defendants

Rundo, along with two other defendants, is charged with conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act for his activities in connection with RAM. In addition to the conspiracy charge, Rundo is also charged with one count of rioting. The other defendants charged in this case are Robert Boman, 30, of Torrance, and Tyler Laube, 27, of Redondo Beach. Boman and Laube are charged with conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act. Boman also faces one count of rioting.

Trial date scheduled for December 12

The trial date for this case has been scheduled for December 12. During the trial, the charges against the defendants will be examined and a verdict will be reached based on the evidence presented.

Allegations of conspiracy and rioting

The indictment alleges that the defendants, including Rundo, participated in a conspiracy that involved recruitment of RAM members, coordination and participation in combat training, and traveling to political rallies to attack protesters and other individuals. The indictment also mentions the defendants’ publication of photographs and videos of their violent acts to recruit other members for future events. The acts of conspiracy and rioting are significant components of the case against these white supremacist group members.

Background of the Case

White supremacist group implicated in planning and engaging in riots

The case centers around the Rise Above Movement (RAM), a white supremacist organization that has been implicated in planning and engaging in riots at political rallies across California. RAM has represented itself as a combat-ready, militant group of a new nationalist white supremacy and identity movement.

RAM’s representation as a combat-ready, militant organization

RAM has created a public image of being a combat-ready, militant organization. This representation has fueled their involvement in acts of violence at political rallies and their recruitment efforts.

Defendants’ involvement in recruitment, training, and attacks

The defendants, including the lead defendant Robert Paul Rundo, are alleged to have been involved in various activities related to RAM. These activities include the recruitment of RAM members, coordinating and participating in combat training, and engaging in attacks at political rallies.

Violent acts committed at political rallies in Huntington Beach, Berkeley, and San Bernardino

The indictment specifically mentions the defendants’ participation in violent acts at political rallies in Huntington Beach on March 25, 2017, in Berkeley on April 15, 2017, and in San Bernardino on June 10, 2017. These acts of violence further support the charges against the defendants.

Legal Proceedings

Dismissal of the indictment and subsequent reversal on appeal

In June 2019, a federal district court dismissed the indictment against the defendants, including the lead defendant Robert Paul Rundo, ruling that the federal Anti-Riot Act violated the First Amendment. However, in March 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the district court’s dismissal and reinstated the criminal charges.

Current charges and potential sentences

The charges against the defendants include conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act and rioting. The conspiracy charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, as does the charge of rioting. If convicted, the defendants could face significant prison time.

Investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. This task force brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat terrorism and other related threats.

Assistance from international law enforcement agencies

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Bucharest provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the lead defendant, Robert Paul Rundo. The Romanian National Police, Directorate of Combatting Organized Crime and Terrorism, Fugitive Unit, the Romanian General Prosecutor’s Office and Border Police, the U.S. Embassy Bucharest Regional Security Office and Consular Section/American Citizen Services, and Interpol Romania also provided significant assistance.

Prosecutors and Contacts

Assistant United States Attorneys Solomon Kim and Kathrynne N. Seiden

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Solomon Kim and Kathrynne N. Seiden. They will be responsible for presenting the evidence against the defendants and seeking a conviction.

Contact information for Public Information Officer Ciaran McEvoy

For further information or media inquiries regarding this case, contact the Public Information Officer, Ciaran McEvoy, at ciaran.mcevoy@usdoj.gov or (213) 894-4465.

Related Cases and Press Releases

Fountain Valley Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Murder

In a related case, a man from Fountain Valley was sentenced to life in federal prison for the murder of a man who was shot on a boat and dumped into the ocean. This case highlights the severity of crimes committed by individuals involved in violent extremist groups.

L.A. Harbor Area Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery Spree

Another related case involved a man from the L.A. Harbor area who was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for an armed robbery spree that targeted businesses in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. These cases demonstrate the range of criminal activities associated with extremist groups.

Federal Indictments Target San Gabriel Valley Gang Linked to Various Crimes

Federal indictments were also issued in a case targeting a San Gabriel Valley gang linked to various crimes, including murder, witness intimidation, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime and protect communities.

About the U.S. Department of Justice

Overview of the department’s role

The U.S. Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing federal laws and administering justice in the United States. Its role includes prosecuting federal crimes, providing legal advice to the President and Cabinet, and representing the United States in legal matters.

Attorney General and organizational structure

The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice and is responsible for overseeing its various components and operations. The department is organized into multiple divisions and offices, each with specific responsibilities and areas of focus.

Budget, performance, and history

The department’s budget and performance are carefully monitored to ensure the effective and efficient use of resources. It has a long history of upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights and interests of the American people.

Privacy program and guidance resources

The Department of Justice has a privacy program in place to protect individuals’ personal information and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It also provides guidance resources to assist individuals and organizations in understanding their privacy rights and obligations.

News, press releases, and publications

The department regularly shares news, press releases, and publications to keep the public informed about its activities and initiatives. These resources provide valuable insight into ongoing investigations, legal proceedings, and policy developments.

Information for victims in large cases

In cases involving large-scale criminal activities, the Department of Justice provides information and support to victims to ensure their rights are protected and their needs are addressed. This includes assistance in navigating the legal process and accessing available resources.

Employment opportunities and benefits at the DOJ

The Department of Justice offers employment opportunities across a wide range of professional fields. It provides competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract top talent and maintain a highly skilled workforce.

About CDCA

Introduction to CDCA (Central District of California)

The Central District of California (CDCA) is one of the 94 federal judicial districts in the United States. It encompasses seven counties and serves a population of approximately 19 million people. CDCA operates within the purview of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Meet the U.S. Attorney and the front office

The CDCA U.S. Attorney and the front office are responsible for overseeing the district’s legal operations. They work to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice and the effective prosecution of federal crimes.

Former United States Attorneys

CDCA has a list of former United States Attorneys who have served in the district. These individuals have made significant contributions to the pursuit of justice and the safety of the community.

Overview of CDCA’s divisions: Criminal, Civil, National Security, and Tax

CDCA is organized into divisions that handle different types of cases. These divisions include the Criminal Division, Civil Division, National Security Division, and Tax Division. Each division has its own area of focus and specialized expertise.

Community engagement and outreach programs

CDCA is committed to engaging with and serving the community. It actively participates in outreach programs to promote understanding of the federal justice system and build trust between law enforcement and the public.

Contact information for CDCA

For general inquiries or further information about CDCA, contact the appropriate division or office. Contact details can be found on the CDCA website.

Resources and Utility

Forms, publications, and guidance documents

CDCA provides forms, publications, and guidance documents to assist individuals and organizations in navigating the legal process. These resources are designed to provide clarity and support.

Justice Manual and grants information

The Justice Manual is a comprehensive resource that provides guidance on the Department of Justice’s policies and procedures. Additionally, information on grants and funding opportunities can be found on the CDCA website.

Search and find help functionalities

CDCA’s website offers search functionality to help individuals find specific information or resources. Additionally, the website provides assistance for individuals seeking help or reporting federal crimes.

Contact details for general inquiries and reporting federal crimes

For general inquiries or to report federal crimes, contact the appropriate division or office within CDCA. The contact details can be found on the CDCA website.

Conclusion

Summary of the extradition and charges

The extradition of the lead defendant, Robert Paul Rundo, from Romania marks a significant development in the federal case charging three Southern California men linked to a white supremacy extremist group with planning and engaging in riots at political rallies. Rundo, along with two other defendants, is facing charges of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act and rioting.

Ongoing investigation and legal proceedings

The case is still under investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the trial is scheduled for December 12. As the legal proceedings continue, the Department of Justice remains committed to combatting violent extremism and protecting the rights and safety of all individuals.

By Jesse Hull

I'm Jesse Hull, a retired Infantry Paratrooper and Outdoor Studies Major at Alaska Pacific University - and I am the mind behind Grimy Times - your portal to the darkest, grittiest news stories spanning the globe. With a tagline like "Grimiest News From Around The World!" you can expect no less. I bring you the most unearthed stories, guaranteeing authenticity without sugarcoating. From shadowy urban alleys to the most remote corners of our planet, my coverage knows no bounds.