Jack Lasota, the leader of a cult-like group linked to multiple violent incidents, including the recent fatal shooting of a Vermont Border Patrol officer, was arrested in Frostburg, Maryland, on charges of trespassing, firearm offenses, and other crimes. Lasota, 34, along with two associates, Michelle Zaico and Daniel Blank, faces similar charges and are currently in custody. Lasota has been connected to a series of violent attacks, including a 2022 stabbing that partially blinded an 80-year-old man and may involve a murder aimed at silencing a witness.
He was previously charged with obstructing an investigation into the deaths of Zaico’s parents, who were found fatally shot in their Pennsylvania home earlier this year, although her direct involvement has not been established. Another associate, Ophelia Buckholt, was involved in a deadly shootout with Border Patrol agents, resulting in both her and Agent David Maland’s deaths. The ongoing investigations are supported by federal law enforcement agencies.
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