Charlie Puckett, one of the leading figures in the anti-government militia movement, vanished from his Garrard County, Kentucky, home on March 14, 2002, where he had been awaiting trial on a nine-count federal indictment. Prior to his disappearance, Puckett e-mailed supporters a "Last Testament" in which he alleged persecution by the government and announced his intention to become a fugitive.

Before his February arrest, Puckett was the head of the Kentucky State Militia, which under his direction had become one of the most active militia groups in the nation. Federal prosecutors had accused Puckett, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, of having guns, pipe bombs, and nearly 35,000 rounds of ammunition. In early March, a federal judge released Puckett from jail pending trial, but only under several restrictions, including the requirements that Puckett wear an electronic ankle bracelet and refrain from contact with militia members.

To justify his flight, Puckett composed a "Last Testament," distributed by a KSM member via the Internet, in which he denied manufacturing or intending to manufacture machine guns or explosives.

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Puckett also accused the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms of being a "private army" of the Treasury Department "loosed on the people to rob & pillage." Puckett said that the only thing he was guilty of was helping to train the KSM by making "training devices" and instructing people on how to survive the "coming calamity."

Puckett stated that he had to "leave society at this time" for his own safety and informed readers that neither his family nor other militia members would know where he was. "Rewards will do no good & intimidation will get you in trouble," the militia leader wrote. The only thing he would accept, Puckett stated, was the dropping of all charges and "complete exoneration." Puckett then urged KSM members to "continue the fight for freedom."

Federal law enforcement officials confirmed that Puckett has fled, raising to two the number of prominent Kentucky militia figures sought by law enforcement. Steve Anderson, a friend and associate of Charlie Puckett, is wanted by federal and state authorities for explosives violations and the attempted murder of a police officer. Last October, Anderson allegedly shot at a deputy sheriff in Eastern Kentucky during a traffic stop, then fled.

Puckett has been one of the militia movement's most active leaders in recent years, conducting paramilitary training in Kentucky and neighboring states, as well as hosting national gatherings for militia members near Knob Creek, Kentucky. He has also urged militia supporters to be more active. In a July 2001 shortwave broadcast, for example, Puckett urged followers to talk to friends, neighbors, and even strangers about the dangers of the "New World Order." However, he also urged people to know "where every socialist lives, works, etc.," and said that "sooner or later, they will need a big hug and kiss as in Waco."

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