New charges for group connected to shooting of VT border agent

CBS TV-6 News WRGB, Albany/March 20th 2025

According to the AP, authorities say, the leader of a cultlike group and two of its members are facing new gun charges in Maryland.

Jack LaSota, known as Ziz, is described as the leader of an extremist group called the Zizians, which follows her online writings on veganism, gender identity, and artificial intelligence.

The group has been linked to six killings across Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California.

The investigation into LaSota and the Zizians intensified in January after a group member died and another was arrested following the shooting death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland in Vermont.

LaSota, along with Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank, was charged last month with trespassing, obstructing law enforcement, and illegal gun possession after a Frostburg man reported three "suspicious" individuals parked box trucks on his property and requested to camp there.

Their trials, initially set for Monday in Allegany County District Court, were moved to the county's higher-level circuit court following new indictments. LaSota now faces nine charges, Zajko 14, and Blank 12.

The new charges, including carrying concealed and loaded handguns, are misdemeanors with potential penalties ranging from three months to five years.

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