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TRIAL SET FOR REPUBLIC OF TEXAS SEPARATISTS

ALPINE, Texas (Reuters) - Texas separatists who held off police in a seven-day armed standoff in May before surrendering are to go on trial this week on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity.

Republic of Texas "ambassador" Richard McLaren and three of his followers could face up to 99 years in prison if found guilty of the first-degree state felony charges.

McLaren and his bodyguard Robert "White Eagle" Otto are facing trial together, as are Gregg and Karen Paulson, a married couple who also joined the Republic of Texas group.

All four defendants claim that Texas was illegally annexed by the United States in 1845 and that neither state or federal courts have jurisdiction over them.

Prosecutors allege McLaren and his followers are common criminals who used the rhetoric of Texas independence as a cover for fraudulent schemes aimed at taking property away from individuals and businesses.

McLaren, his wife and several other Republic members also face separate federal fraud and conspiracy charges for allegedly issuing $1.8 billion in bogus financial warrants.

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