Judge sentences Orem man for swindling nearly$80,000
Deseret News 19Aug99 L8
By Edward L. Carter: Deseret News staff writer

PROVO, UTAH -- Roger Goff, 47, was sentenced last Wednesday to three concurrent prison terms for securities fraud that will keep him incarcerated for at least one year and possibly as many as 15 years for fraudulent investments schemes orchestrated through Buckhorn Financial Services. Operating mainly in the LDS community, banking largely on misplaced trust while promising big returns that could finance children's college education or LDS Church missions, he unlawfully received over $700,000 in investment capital and eventually bilked investors out of nearly $80,000.

In his defense, he said state courts had no jurisdiction over him because he did not consent to Utah's laws was and not subject to state law because he did not seek benefits or protection from the state.

"For the record, I do not consent or acquiesce to the sentence," Goff told the Judge, with the assertion that he was a resident of "the Republic," and that he could not hire an attorney or he would become subject to the state's government system.

With the However the judge rejected Goff's arguments and ordered him to report to prison by Aug. 30. "You and I will probably never reach an agreement on jurisdiction." The Judge said. ìBy living in the state of Utah, you are submitting yourself to the laws of Utah. The concepts you are presenting are unacceptable to this court."