Manifesto-writing fugitive appears in federal court

MILWAUKEE — A Wisconsin fugitive accused of stealing an arsenal of firearms and sending an antigovernment manifesto to the White House was arrested Friday after a retired school counselor found him camping on his property and calmly talked to the man before calling authorities.

The arrest of Joseph Allen Jakubowski settled fears among residents and law enforcement over what he might do with his stockpile of weapons and ammunition. In his manifesto, Jakubowski detailed a long list of grievances against the government and law enforcement, and threatened unspecified attacks.

Jakubowski appeared subdued during his initial federal court appearance Friday afternoon in Madison, speaking quietly with his attorney while wearing a dirty white T-shirt over a long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans. He will remain in federal custody as he faces a federal gun theft charge and several state felonies.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jeff Anderson said Jakubowski could be indicted on additional charges. His next federal court appearance is scheduled for April 25.

Tactical officers captured Jakubowski without incident around 6 a.m. after surrounding his campsite in a field near Readstown, said Jeffrey A. Gorn, the property owner who called authorities. Readstown is about 125 miles northwest of Janesville, where the manhunt for Jakubowski began on April 4.

Rock County Sheriff Robert Spoden described his campsite as primitive, consisting of only a tarp, and said Jakubowski looked disheveled and like he had not slept in some time.

Gorn told The Associated Press he was driving his fourwheeler on his property late Thursday night and checking his deer stands when he spotted a blue tarp and discovered a man camping on his land. Gorn said he didn’t realize it was Jakubowski, the 32-year-old target of an intense manhunt by at least 150 federal, state and local law enforcement officers for more than a week.

Gorn approached the tent fashioned from the tarp and asked if anyone was inside. Jakubowski came out.

“He said he was off the grid,” Gorn said. “And I told him you’re not too far off the grid. You’re on my grid.”