Toni Hopper
Jan Dyer, mother of Charles Dyer, released a statement Monday on behalf of her son, who has been charged in federal court for possessing a grenade launcher.
“He wanted me to tell you that he has not and never will be a member of any militia or subversive group,” she said. “He is a constitutionalist. Charles wants this on record.”
Mrs. Dyer said she spoke with her son Sunday night.
“Look at his videos, listen to the words he says. The only time he says anything about taking up arms is when he is referring to the forefathers. He spent eight years serving his country.”
A federal indictment for Dyer was issued Feb. 2, who is charged with the unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device.
His trial has been set for 9 a.m. April 12 at the federal courthouse in Oklahoma City.
His mother said that Dyer has spoke for groups like the Oath Keepers, but she said he denies any claims of membership in the group.
“Yes, he has spoke at their meetings, but he is not, nor has he ever been a member. Someone needs to clarify something,” she said. “When he joined the Marines, he took an oath to uphold the constitution. That was a lifetime oath.”
Numerous videos are posted online with Dyer either directly speaking and allegedly recording the video, or showing him talking at rallies, including an alleged Oath Keeper rally.
Dyer appeared in U.S. Western District Court Jan. 25, for a detention hearing. He was denied release at that hearing by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Bacharach.
The indictment alleges that Dyer was found to be in possession of a Colt M-203, 40-millimeter grenade launcher on Jan. 12,. The weapon was not registered to Dyer in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Records, according to court documents. In a report filed by ATF Agent Brett Williams, Dyer allegedly admitted that he was given the launcher by a friend.
If Dyer is convicted, the charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in a federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Dyer has not been convicted of the charge and the indictment is only an accusation.
Dyer will also return to Stephens County District Court to face a state charge of child sexual abuse that was formally filed in the District Court of the Fifth Judicial District in Stephens County Jan. 20.
“He is innocent until proven guilty,” Mrs. Dyer said. She said that he would receive a jury trial.
— Toni Hopper is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. She can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 132 or by e-mail at: toni.hopper@duncanbanner.com.
