The Anniston Star is reporting that two members of the sovereign citizens movement appeared in court today, with a judge suggesting one should be silenced with masking tape when he would not follow orders.

Calhoun County Circuit Judge Bud Turner moved for trial against Everett Leon Stout, 73, and Miriam Claire Shultz, 69, his common law wife, who were arrested last year following an investigation by the FBI, the Calhoun County District Attorney's Office and Oxford police.

Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge described the couple as "paper terrorists" last year, after investigators said the two attempted to buy a $300,000 recreational vehicle and pay for it with a fabricated account. When the two were refused, they filed a "million dollar lien" against the business, then offered to withdraw it in exchange for money, resulting in the extortion charge.

Partridge said the two targeted 13 different businesses with a similar scheme. Their motive was "purely financial" in going after high dollar businesses, he said.

Miriam Claire Schultz

Shultz pleaded not guilty, the Star reported. Stout, shackled and wearing orange-and-white-striped jail uniform, attempted to represent himself. After he made several statements declining offers of counsel, the judge said, "If he says anything else, get some masking tape and put it on his mouth."

The two were charged last year in Etowah County after investigators said they recorded false documents against a circuit clerk, municipal prosecutor, federal judge and federal probation officer.

Sovereign citizens, experts say, are individuals who do not believe in federal laws, taxation, or state or federal entities but use court filings to tie up the legal system. The movement is largely fragmented but stretches nationwide. They are also known for filing false documents in probate court with large liens to disrupt the credit histories of public officials.

For more details, read The Star's story here.