On March 17, 2008, Russell was arrested by state cops at another activist's, David's, hearing in Keene. Russell was held on $10,000 bail.
A group of activists chatted comfortably, passing the time until they would enter the courtroom for David's trial. Kat noticed a binder labeled "Registered Voters" and, leafing through it, she was surprised to find her and Russell's names and address, as the two of them had asked to be removed from the voter rolls. She and Russell then walked into the clerk's office to ensure their names were removed.
After about five minutes, Kat and Russell emerged from the office, this time accompanied by a uniformed NH state police officer. The female cop told Russell in a hushed tone that she would be taking him into custody. Being a man of peace, Russell offered his wrists without a moment's hesitation, which were promptly cuffed. Aside from a few tender words to Kat, Russell said only, "And people think this isn't a police state," as he was shackled and led away, to where we did not know.
Russell's previous wife had kicked him out without just cause and got a restraining order claiming he was violent. She refused to let him see or call his children and she took everything: kids, house, all of Russell's personal possessions (which she wouldn't give to him). He decided he was not going to be a slave to some woman who treated him like that - to pay for her to take his children away from him. He had offered to take the children, but she chose otherwise. This arrest was for not paying child support.
Details are on this thread.