CKMorley Arrested For "Fanny Pack Carry"

[ckmorley]

A handicapped man from suburban Chicago was arrested and charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Chris Morley, a long-time and well-liked supporter of gun rights in Illinois, has been carrying his unloaded pistol for nearly a decade – ever since a law was passed to allow this form of carry/transport/

 

Suffering from cerebral palsy and depending on a cane to walk, Chris Morley has been the would-be target of muggers numerous times. On these three or four occasions, merely reaching for his unloaded firearm was enough to scare the attackers away and possibly save his life.

 

Morley was not feeling well at work on a Monday, however, and had a coworker help him to an empty room to rest and feel better. As a matter of policy, paramedics were called. But not only did the paramedics arrive, but police in full tactical gear arrived too!

 

Morley’s personal belongings had been searched without warrant or probable cause and his unloaded pistol in his Maxpedition case had been exposed. Instead of going home as he planned after falling ill, Morley was on his way to a Chicago Police Dept. lockup! He was handcuffed to a wall for a few hours, processed, photographed, fingerprinted, stripped of clothes and belongings including his cane and glasses. Morley could not walk or see.

 

During his arrest, the police even had the nerve to accuse him of being drunk – at approx 10:00 AM in the morning. Morley has a speech impediment due to his condition, but as often happens the police assumed the wrong thing. Meanwhile, locked up in his rubber cell for over twelve hours, Morley listened as the prison guards watched movie clips on YouTube, feature film Walk the Line, news, late-night replays of Oprah and Doctor Phil, and finally the morning news came on. Morley’s wife, parents, and other loved-ones had no idea where he was.

 

Morley was finally released tuesday afternoon on and I-bond and walked a few miles to a commuter train station to return home.

 

A week later, several officers of the Illinois State Police, accompanied by 2 Chicago Police Detectives came to Morley's house in the suburbs and confiscated more than a dozen legally owned firearms, contending that they had found "written threats to coworkers" in Morley's desk at work.

 

In my opinion, I'm being railroaded by the gun-hating Chicago Machine in retaliation for my years of gun rights activism.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

 

A good friend of mine, runs a new website called www.gunownersfellowship.com.

He's helping me to raise money for my defense.

 

 

If you can help, you can send a check payable to Walter Maksym (my attorney) to:

 

Gun Owners Fellowship

605 Fulton Avenue

Rockford, IL 61103

 

The donation will be recorded and forwarded to Atty Walter Maksym, who has successfully defended a number of gun rights cases here in northern Illinois.

 

 

Another way would be to paypal money to fellowship@****** and put in there that the money is for my defense (chris morley. Shaun will then record the donation for chris and direct-deposit it into Walter Maksym's bank account.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Christopher Morley

[Chris]

Chris do you have a way we can donate to your defense fund where money will not go through Shaun's Group?

[ckmorley]

Chris do you have a way we can donate to your defense fund where money will not go through Shaun's Group?

 

 

You could mail it directly to me, with my sincere thanks.

 

694 Zachary Drive

Romeoville, IL

60446

 

Thank You

[Chris]

Thanks,

 

I will do!

[SirMatthew]

Chris do you have a way we can donate to your defense fund where money will not go through Shaun's Group?

 

 

You could mail it directly to me, with my sincere thanks.

 

694 Zachary Drive

Romeoville, IL

60446

 

Thank You

 

Everything about situation this stirs my anger, except the fact you carried for ten years and never caused harm to anyone. I don't have much at the moment, but I'll be sending you something to help. Best of luck and keep us informed!

[Bitter]

Doe anyone have more informaiton on the specifics of the case? Where did it occur, what entity is prosecuting, what stage of the process is it in, what are the specific charges, who is the prosecutor, etc? Are any public records or the docket available online?

[jagco]

Doe anyone have more informaiton on the specifics of the case? Where did it occur, what entity is prosecuting, what stage of the process is it in, what are the specific charges, who is the prosecutor, etc? Are any public records or the docket available online?

 

 

I would be interested in more info, too. I haven't been around here long enough to really know you guys, and my money is tight, but it sure sounds worth my donation.

[lockman]

Please post any related links.

 

Has NRA, ISRA or SAF been contacted for assistance?

 

And please prepare for you 2nd, 4th, 5th and 14th amendent violation civil suite against all involved.

 

It will be interesting to see what these "threats" are.

[RandyP]

Just to clarify for I too am relatively new here, but have been around long enough to get the drift that Shaun and donated money are not thought to be a good match by some based on his past personal choices and actions..

 

Does your workplace permit employees to have firearms on the premises, regardless of the container du juor? Sadly mine does not and lists that as specific grounds for immediate dismissal.

 

Your fanny packed firearm was discovered by? The paramedics, police, co-workers? I am assuming it was by a co-worker if a SWAT team arrived with the paramedics?

 

Over the past 10 years have you always 'transported' your unloaded firearm in a fanny pack and also brought along ammuntion with which to make it a loaded firearm?

 

Just wondering, and believing in the creed that life truly is a series of choices.

[ckmorley]

Doe anyone have more informaiton on the specifics of the case? Where did it occur, what entity is prosecuting, what stage of the process is it in, what are the specific charges, who is the prosecutor, etc? Are any public records or the docket available online?

 

 

I would be interested in more info, too. I haven't been around here long enough to really know you guys, and my money is tight, but it sure sounds worth my donation.

 

The IL State Police told me that they were seizing the guns "for everyone's safety" based upon the alleged "written threats to coworkers" found in my desk. The Chgo cops were tagging along to investigate the "written threats".

 

The "threat" was the date "9-23", followed by the phrase, "D-Day", which was a note I made to myself indicating the start of our busy season, when our workload doubles for the holidays.

 

I wonder what they thought about the copy of The Zombie Survival Guide, by Max Brooks, that a co-worker had given me, that was not returned to me when the company sent my personal property home.

 

And yes, I think coworker or somebody in Management searched my bag, then called the cops.

 

To top it off, the State Cops, even though there is no gun registration in IL, had a list of every gun I owned. Those of you who think the Powers That Be have no idea of what you own, are in for a bad surprise if you ever wind up on their Sh!t List.

 

My next court date is December 15th. I'll keep everyone advised.

 

ckmorley

[Gooch]

To top it off, the State Cops, even though there is no gun registration in IL, had a list of every gun I owned. Those of you who think the Powers That Be have no idea of what you own, are in for a bad surprise if you ever wind up on their Sh!t List.

 

 

Of course they do! Even though they say they don't!

[burningspear]

Doe anyone have more informaiton on the specifics of the case? Where did it occur, what entity is prosecuting, what stage of the process is it in, what are the specific charges, who is the prosecutor, etc? Are any public records or the docket available online?

 

 

I would be interested in more info, too. I haven't been around here long enough to really know you guys, and my money is tight, but it sure sounds worth my donation.

 

The IL State Police told me that they were seizing the guns "for everyone's safety" based upon the alleged "written threats to coworkers" found in my desk. The Chgo cops were tagging along to investigate the "written threats".

 

The "threat" was the date "9-23", followed by the phrase, "D-Day", which was a note I made to myself indicating the start of our busy season, when our workload doubles for the holidays.

 

I wonder what they thought about the copy of The Zombie Survival Guide, by Max Brooks, that a co-worker had given me, that was not returned to me when the company sent my personal property home.

 

And yes, I think coworker or somebody in Management searched my bag, then called the cops.

 

To top it off, the State Cops, even though there is no gun registration in IL, had a list of every gun I owned. Those of you who think the Powers That Be have no idea of what you own, are in for a bad surprise if you ever wind up on their Sh!t List.

 

My next court date is December 15th. I'll keep everyone advised.

 

ckmorley

 

Pray tell. How did the State get "a list of every gun" you owned? Aside from your unlawful arrest for UUW and the lack of justification to confiscate your firearms (based on what you have written), that part of your experience is also disturbing. (Firearm registration and firearm ownership registration are probably features of a totalitarian state and should be unconstitutional.)

 

Another sad dimension of your ordeal is that nothing done by law enforcement in your case will reduce the violent crime rate in the City of Chicago or the State of Illinois.

[armueller2001]

Can the arresting officers and prosecutors not read?

 

"UNLOADED AND ENCLOSED IN A CASE"

[Ol'Coach]

Can the arresting officers and prosecutors not read?

 

"UNLOADED AND ENCLOSED IN A CASE"

 

They can all read, but some take it upon themselves to interpret the law and to enforce their own interpretation, rather than just enforcing the law as written.

[junglebob]

Chris, I'm sending a check today. I hope a lot of people here do to. If everyone sent only $10, it might cover your legal expenses, or half of us sent $20.

 

Interesting that they say the note dated D-Day 9/23 was a threat to co-workers. Maybe they have a different calendar than I do, I think we are in the 12th month now. That's awful poor evidence of a threat a note about D-day 2 1/2 months old, it could have been a note reminding you of D-day the day Dunkin Donuts offered a free donut with a cup of coffee.

[RandyP]

Did you infer your workplace is "firearm friendly"?

 

If so you are one darn lucky gun owner. If like mine their published policy calls for disciplinary action including immediate dismissal for bringing a firearm into the workplace, then that was indeed one bit of prose you would have done well to read and memorize, along with our State's 2A statutes?

 

I know that the whole 'fanny packing' thing has strong sentiments on both sides, and proponents can quickly recite the letter of the law in its regard. I work for our HR Director and she too can cite OUR company's "laws" at the drop of a hat. And it is NOT a debate into which I would ever want to enter with her regarding me violating one of them. Unlike the real world, justice comes rather swiftly in the workplace. lol

 

I applaud those folks who have the strength of their convictions and a strong willingness to act accordingly and face whatever personal consequences their choices bring. I confess I do not possess that zeal. Rather be judged by 12 than carried by six? Many folks do get that 'golden opportunity' and need to be prepared mentally, physically and perhaps most importantly financially for the consequences of their choices.

[TTIN]

Chris, I'm sending a check today. I hope a lot of people here do to. If everyone sent only $10, it might cover your legal expenses, or half of us sent $20.

 

Interesting that they say the note dated D-Day 9/23 was a threat to co-workers. Maybe they have a different calendar than I do, I think we are in the 12th month now. That's awful poor evidence of a threat a note about D-day 2 1/2 months old, it could have been a note reminding you of D-day the day Dunkin Donuts offered a free donut with a cup of coffee.

 

 

Here's another disturbing part of this that many are missing.HIS note said "D-Day" as a reminder of his upcoming responsibilities to his job,but the cops said it meant something menacing,so that makes it "true".Now Mr. Morley has to prove that it meant something completely innocent.That's just scary and total BS.

[Bitter]

Now Mr. Morley has to prove that it meant something completely innocent.That's just scary and total BS.

 

No, the state will still have to prove all the elements of the crime, if any, beyond a reasonable doubt. We still don't know what he was actually charged with on that.

 

The scary part to me is the confiscation. I read the FOID law, and all dealers must maintain records for 10 years. The police may demand these records at any time. All transfers have inique identifiers, so I would guess the ISP has some system where they are actually watching who has what without actually registering teh firearms. When someone pisses them off they can just demand all dealers on the list sumbit transfer information, and go seize the firearms.

 

I am interested to know if his FOID was revoked. It seems pretty easy to do, all the police have to do is "find" that he was a danger to himself or others. This would not be a criminal proceeding, in fact not a public proceeding at all. Only if appealed would it go to the courts, where the standard would be lower than beyond a reasonable doubt since it isn't a criminal offense.

 

I would guess that they saw the "threat," revoked the card, demanded tranfer records, and showed up to confiscate the weapons since he no longer had a valid FOID. Now that is scary...All behind closed doors...A phantom registration system that has at least in this instance led to confiscation. That pushes Illinois dangerously close to the right of the often cited paradigm: legislation-->registration-->confiscation-->revolution. (I am not advocating any violent overthrow of the government of the united states or illinois)

 

Something else interesting I found in the law. It has a way that it can be repealed by voters. If 2% of registered voters from each county petition 78 days before an election, the state is required to put the issue to repeal the Act on the ballot.

[burningspear]

Now Mr. Morley has to prove that it meant something completely innocent.That's just scary and total BS.

 

No, the state will still have to prove all the elements of the crime, if any, beyond a reasonable doubt. We still don't know what he was actually charged with on that.

 

The scary part to me is the confiscation. I read the FOID law, and all dealers must maintain records for 10 years. The police may demand these records at any time. All transfers have inique identifiers, so I would guess the ISP has some system where they are actually watching who has what without actually registering teh firearms. When someone pisses them off they can just demand all dealers on the list sumbit transfer information, and go seize the firearms.

 

I am interested to know if his FOID was revoked. It seems pretty easy to do, all the police have to do is "find" that he was a danger to himself or others. This would not be a criminal proceeding, in fact not a public proceeding at all. Only if appealed would it go to the courts, where the standard would be lower than beyond a reasonable doubt since it isn't a criminal offense.

 

I would guess that they saw the "threat," revoked the card, demanded tranfer records, and showed up to confiscate the weapons since he no longer had a valid FOID. Now that is scary...All behind closed doors...A phantom registration system that has at least in this instance led to confiscation. That pushes Illinois dangerously close to the right of the often cited paradigm: legislation-->registration-->confiscation-->revolution. (I am not advocating any violent overthrow of the government of the united states or illinois)

 

Something else interesting I found in the law. It has a way that it can be repealed by voters. If 2% of registered voters from each county petition 78 days before an election, the state is required to put the issue to repeal the Act on the ballot.

Illinois' defacto registration has lead to numerous confiscations of firearms from non-violent citizens. That is scary.

 

The current gun control system has not impinged on the unlawful use of firearms to commit murder, armed robberies, and other violent crimes. Peaceable citizens are impacted. Violent criminals are not affected. They ignore the law. The FOID scheme has not prevented the acquisition of firearms by crazed individuals who invade homes, stick up stores, and shoot down the young and the old. Since 1968, when the FOID act was passed, there have been many, many murders, armed robberies, carjackings, and other armed acts of violence. I would venture to guess that less than a hand full of those convicted of those crimes had FOID cards that could be revoked. The intended purpose of the Act has not been realized. The Illinois legislature does not have the balls to eliminate the FOID Act. It can't even require the State to destroy "gun purchase" background check records. Repeal of the act by the voters is also highly unlikely.

 

That leaves a broken system that is unfair to the average Joe and a gun control system that does not work to keep firearms out of the hands of violent, boneheaded individuals.

[Gary]

Doe anyone have more informaiton on the specifics of the case? Where did it occur, what entity is prosecuting, what stage of the process is it in, what are the specific charges, who is the prosecutor, etc? Are any public records or the docket available online?

 

 

I would be interested in more info, too. I haven't been around here long enough to really know you guys, and my money is tight, but it sure sounds worth my donation.

 

Chris lives in Chicagoland and was an active member in Concealed Carry Inc. when John was the mover and shaker for the most part. A pioneer if you will and an advocate of fanny pack carry. While CKMorley is a name that is almost as familiar to me as is Hank Fonda, or The Duke, I was only able to meet Chris one time.

 

(I know that he does not remember the meeting, but I am sure that he remembers the occassion.)

 

It is a long way from Marion County to Cook County, but we had an arrest down here involving a "Jack Booted" arrest/prosecution. Chris not only donated to the defense fund, but actually got off his butt and drove to Marion County to be in the courtroom and to give support to the wrongly arrested victim of Illinois' Finest. (Actually, I talked to the arresting officer and he was not happy that he had been ordered to make the arrest. It seems there was a lot of discussion in a short amount of time about going forward with the arrest in the S.A.'s office.

 

After our win and the publicity that would not have occurred had not been for Chris and John about about 75 other patriots that packed the courtroom, the State's Attorney decided that he would not run for re-election again. I would like to think that CKMorley and the rest of us that helped support our fellow citizen was partly responsible for that decision.

 

Chris, I am not the man you are and will not be coming to Chicago. I am really sorry. But be assured that the check is in the mail.

MOLON LABE

[Gary]

:lips sealed:

[Ol'Coach]

 

X 2

[Gary]

I just remembered a funny incident involving Chris and the trip to Marion County. It seems that when they saw all of the "Gun Nuts" show up they put on extra security at the Marion County Courthouse. Stairways and hallways had been blocked to herd all of the "extremists" to an area where we were to be searched and so on. Big Deal. I left my pen knife in the car anyway.

 

But as Chris mentioned, he has a problem with doing things like (well, you know) walking.

 

Well, we all know how sneaky these knuckledraggers can be, so when Chis gets his turn to be searched, the deputy went absolutely nuts in trying to get his cane to come apart or open up or something to reveal that it was actually a cleverly concealed weapon.

I think it was my laughter that finally made her give it up and let Chris through.

 

I will bet, though, that she was trying to figure out how she could make Chris leave his cane at the security station. After all, it could be used for a club, a bludgeon, or something.

[ckmorley]

I remember the incident :-)

 

When I was arrested, the CPD disassembled my cane, tagged it and stored it away with my personal possessions.

 

When they drove me from lockup to Northwestern Hospital for my Psych evaluation, they gave it back to me, assembled wrong.

 

Picture this, I'm in the back of an unmarked CPD car, two tac officers in front and their Tac Sargent in the back seat with me. I've got my cane disassembled, and I'm using the top handle section like a hammer to pound the other segments back together to the right height.

 

Yup, I'm one dangerous fellow........

 

CKMorley

[Gary]

When CCI was at its height I mentioned that I thought that some enterprising person and/or company could make a lot of money and provide a much needed service if out-of-state firearm storage could be made handy in the states that border Illinois. I envised something like might happen if "Mailbox's Inc" were to merge with a Bus Terminal Locker. Actually, someone who already owns a gun shop and/or firing range would be the most likely location to make a go of this type of storage.

 

Inconvenient access would be better that the lack of access and confication of all owned firearms such as was done to Chris. Besides when looking at the cost of a good safe, a bonded and insured storage area at a reasonable cost would not be a bad idea.

 

Or, at least, I still think so.

[Silver Guardian]

When CCI was at its height I mentioned that I thought that some enterprising person and/or company could make a lot of money and provide a much needed service if out-of-state firearm storage could be made handy in the states that border Illinois. I envised something like might happen if "Mailbox's Inc" were to merge with a Bus Terminal Locker. Actually, someone who already owns a gun shop and/or firing range would be the most likely location to make a go of this type of storage.

 

Giving away another trade secret here - I recommend Public Storage. http://www.publicstorage.com/Estimate/ssEstimateFaq.aspx It's a great place to store any assets. This is a particularly good idea in the case of firearms because: You get the only key to the lock, You can pay in cash and not have your name attached to it, and there are no databases for storage facilities, so there would need to be a platoon of agents searching everywhere to find the facility where your locker is located. I recommend getting one outside of the city you live in, and burning all the receipts.

[BShawn]

I will surely be sending whatever I can your way as soon as possible...

[junglebob]

I will surely be sending whatever I can your way as soon as possible...

I sent my check, if everyone does what they can maybe we can get Chris's legal bills covered. Even if you can only send $5, if everyone did that it would be a big help.

[Gary]

Money is the life blood and as I said, I sent a check to Chris yesterday. However, the fact that there are several score of people in the courtroom supporting the defendant and making sure that nothing is done "under the table" is also a big help. I think it is anyway. The problem in the past has been making sure that the supporters are easily identifiable.

Check out www.Queensboro.com because I have used these folks have no interest than that I bought some things for them and that they do what they say.

The sell embroideraid clothing. I have purchased both shirts and caps from them. The point about them is that they are cheap. Caps with the embroidery included is as cheap as $7 per cap and there is no minimum.

 

Think about it. A sea of red hats in the court room--or shirts--whatever.

 

Just an idea.

[Gary]

I think these shirts cost me about $12 a piece.

 

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/277116...e5fd5_m.jpg?v=0