Wyoming ‘Sovereign Citizen’ Busted with Illegal Arsenal

CASPER, WY – Frank Ray Berris, 53, of Casper, Wyoming, is facing a lengthy federal prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The verdict came June 11, following a two-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin. The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals attempting to skirt the law, and the dangers inherent in roadside encounters for law enforcement.

The trouble began February 3rd when a Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) trooper pulled over a black Ford Explorer driven by Berris, just outside Casper. The vehicle was sporting bogus license plates declaring “United States of America Republic Diplomat Foreign National” and “UCC1-308” – hallmarks of the “sovereign citizen” movement, a loosely organized group known for rejecting the authority of the government. Berris couldn’t produce a valid driver’s license, insurance, or vehicle registration, immediately raising red flags. A quick scan of the interior revealed a pistol in a holster and an AR-style rifle readily accessible.

Adding to the complexity, Berris already had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Instead of cooperating, the defendant dug in, initiating a three-hour standoff. He refused to exit the vehicle, reportedly telling officers they would have to kill him. Eventually, Berris surrendered, but not before escalating a routine traffic stop into a potentially lethal situation. The scene required the response of multiple agencies, diverting critical resources.

A subsequent search of the Explorer uncovered a significant cache of weapons: a semiautomatic rifle, two semiautomatic pistols, and a variety of ammunition. Crucially, Berris’s prior felony conviction legally barred him from possessing any firearms or ammunition whatsoever. The evidence was damning, and despite representing himself at trial, Berris couldn’t overcome the facts presented by the prosecution.

Berris was indicted by a grand jury in March 2024 and pleaded not guilty. However, the jury saw through his self-representation and delivered a guilty verdict on all counts. Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2024. He now faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000. This case sends a clear message: attempting to circumvent the law will have serious consequences.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Mills Police Department, and federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Makenzie Morrison and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Sprecher successfully prosecuted the case. Case No. 24-00034. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing.