Defense rests in weapons, conspiracy trial of NH tax evaders; closing arguments on tap

Defense rests in NH tax evaders’ weapons trial

CONCORD, N.H. — Testimony has ended in New Hampshire in the trial of tax evaders accused of booby-trapping their property to harm federal agents during a 2007 standoff.

Defendant Ed Brown took the stand only briefly Wednesday before the defense rested. He testified earlier that he did not set up booby traps, only systems to alert him to intruders.

Lawyers for his wife, Elaine Brown, put supporters on the stand who described her as kind. Witnesses also said they were frightened by the federal presence during a gathering at the home, including a low-flying helicopter.

The couple are accused of weapons and conspiracy charges.