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Stietz's convictions in armed standoff upheld
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MADISON - A state appeals court Thursday upheld a Gratiot man's convictions for resisting arrest and pointing a firearm at conservation wardens when he confronted them during the 2012 deer hunting season. Robert F. Stietz, 67, unsuccessfully challenged the jury verdicts on grounds including he acted in self-defense; was denied his Second Amendment right to bear arms; the wardens were trespassing on his property; and he was denied a public trial when a pre-trial conference was held behind closed doors. Stietz testified that he was walking his fenced property in the Lafayette County Town of Lamont after sundown on Nov. 25, 2012 looking for trespassers.