[Applause] [Music] [Applause] This program was made possible by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you. Thank you. Thank you for being our supporter. The angel, I mean, I don't know no more. [Music] And welcome to Facts or Frauds. City of Lansing versus Aaron Skates, 25-01554. Aaron, please. Ashley Boot on behalf of the city of Lansing, Your Honor. And you are Aaron Skates? Yes. Okay, today was the day that was scheduled for hearing. I have a hindering obstructed poles, pre-trial and a furnishing false information. Have you all discussed this matter and how do you want to proceed? Your Honor, if I may, Mr. Waddell did speak with Mr. Skates before we were on the record here today and Mr. Skates indicated that he has submitted some documents to the court. [Music] And we did not receive any documents from you. There's been no motions filed with the court. There are some documents in the file, but that's not a properly filed motion according to the Michigan court rules, so the court does not have jurisdiction to review those. Yeah, at this point there was no offer made. We were giving him the opportunity to present us with some sort of documentation but we have no motion. Okay, they're not offering a reduction in the charge. You have the right to proceed to a trial. You have the right to jury trial. I think you declined court-appointed counsel and said you would retain an attorney. Is that accurate? I I was talking to one but the it's it's not really in my means to acquire the attorney. Okay, so would you like to maintain your not guilty plea and proceed to trial, sir? I don't consent to anything here. I can't I can't my constitutional rights were violated, so I am on the record my status is a Moorish American national. I am not a black person. I am not a United States citizen, so that's why I claim my nationality as a Moorish American. You don't have to be a United States citizen to be charged with a crime in the United States. And if I were you, I wouldn't walk around here in open court, live stream, declaring that I'm not a United States citizen facing criminal action with the current federal administration. That's That was not in your best interest. I wouldn't do can't claim my national status on the record. Yeah, I Okay, that's fine, but you're making a declaration that you're not a citizen and we have an administration that is making efforts to make sure people who are not citizens who are facing criminal actions are deported. So, when I'm claiming my national status on the record is for this land here. I I recognize I recognize that. This land here is known as the United States of America. This court sits in the city of Lansing, Ingham County, state of Michigan. United States Federal Corporation, though. Okay. So, when I when I claim I'm going I'm not I'm not If you want to maintain if you want to stand mute, you you have the right to do that. You have the right to plead guilty or plead not guilty. I recognize that you're asserting yourself as a sovereign citizen. No, no, no, we're not not sovereign citizens. What are you What are you saying? >> Don't It's confusing. It's a misnomer to say sovereign citizen. >> What You're so You're asserting yourself as what? Just sovereign on the land. Okay. I'm happy to hear that you're sovereign and indigenous to the land. The court will continue your not guilty plea. This matter will uh continue to trial, okay? Can I get some type of documentation? >> We're going to give you the notice to appear for a jury trial. September 2nd at 8:15. September 2nd at 8:15 in person at the court, okay? Okay. And I have to be dressed You need to wear a shirt that has sleeves. I just can't wear sleeveless I recognize that, but I'm talking about for your jury trial. You got to be appropriately dressed, okay? This isn't This is not. And I'm I'm advising you of this on the record so that you know to come appropriately dressed for your trial. Okay? Thank you. Do you have any questions for the court at this time? No. Any additional matters for the record? Nothing from the city, Your Honor. Thank you. We'll get your notice to appear your offset. Can I get that in the mail or No, we're going to give it to you right here. Okay. Hey, what What the hell Who did that? What's going on? What do you mean they won't get it? Of course they won't. How can they get it? It's a bootleg. And thanks for hanging out with us on Facts or Frauds. Make sure you hit the thumbs up button, you subscribe, and ring that bell. Also, leave a comment in the comment section. Tell me what you think. And a huge thank you to all of our Facts or Frauds channel members. [Music] And if you're still hanging out, thank you. I appreciate you all. Make sure you hit the thumbs up button, subscribe, and ring that bell. Also, leave a comment in the comment section. Tell me what you think. Till next time, I'll see you soon.