Detainee Linked to 'Zizian' Pens 20-Page Letter Professing Innocence, Challenging Media Narratives

This tale, written by Peter D'Auria, was first published by VTDigger, a non-profit news organization located in Vermont.

Michelle Zajko, once a resident of Vermont associated with a cult-like organization dubbed "The Zizians" by some, asserted her innocence regarding federal firearm allegations. She communicated this through an extensive statement provided to VTDigger via her legal representative.

The 20-page document, penned on ruled paper using blue ink and dated March 9, seems to mark Zajko’s initial public comments following her detention two months prior. The Associated Press was the first to bring attention to this letter.

Zajko was arrested February 16 In Frostburg, Maryland, alongside her companions, Jack LaSota , known as Ziz, and he Daniel Blank The three entered pleas of not guilty earlier this month. multiple misdemeanors For unauthorized entry, hindering an apprehension, and carrying weapons.

The 32-year-old Zajko, who once lived in Coventry, Vermont and owns property in Derby, according to municipal records, also faces federal firearms charges in Vermont.

Prosecutors have said Zajko bought the weapons that were in the possession of Teresa Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt, also known as Ophelia, earlier this year. In January, the pair were stopped by federal agents on I-91 in a traffic stop-turned-shootout That resulted in Bauckholt and Border Patrol Agent David "Chris" Maland dying.

Police had also questioned In Pennsylvania during January 2023, Zajko was linked to the deaths of her parents from the previous month. However, in her correspondence, she maintained her claim of being innocent regarding this incident as well as other accusations, stating, "I did not kill my parents."

The letter has the characteristics of a manifesto, a list of complaints, and a convoluted tale involving numerous individuals—while also making accusations of mistreatment towards several persons. Zajko conveyed her concern over potential surveillance and possible murder, mentioning that for the last couple of years, she felt compelled to live under what she described as "homegrown witness protection."

Apart from rejecting the notion of having killed them, Zajko provided no additional information regarding her parents' demise. She remained silent about her experiences in Vermont, though she made a brief mention of Youngblut.

Zajko stated that she thinks she might be called upon to testify against Youngblut, but "I will decline to take part on principle, since I do not think Youngblut will have a fair trial."

Zajko’s correspondence also claimed poor conditions at the Allegany County Detention Center, stating that she wasn’t brought to see a doctor following her concussion and was provided with just "between 300-700 calories of food daily, which I believe to be vegan."

Kati Kenney, who serves as a spokesperson for Allegany County, stated that Zajko did not report any injuries among the staff members at the facility.

Kenney stated in an email that Allegany County Detention Center treats all medical issues with seriousness and has set up protocols for their prompt assessment and care by competent health professionals.

Although we weren't obligated to supply vegan meals for this person, a vegan choice was indeed provided," Kenney stated. "Should they find it inadequate, they could opt for the meal being served to the rest of the inmates.

Zajko, Blank, and LaSota have entered pleas of not guilty regarding the misdemeanor accusations. During a proceeding early last month, LaSota appeared to challenge the motivations behind the court's involvement in the case, implying to the judge that "your institution has acted under false pretenses" and warning them that "the extent of complicity might weigh more heavily upon you than you imagine," as recorded in documents acquired by VTDigger.

The letter aimed to counteract certain false reports about the organization as characterized by Zajko. It sought to clarify the difference between her circle of "acquaintances" and the group in question. Maximilian Snyder , who was previously betrothed to Teresa Youngblut. Snyder is incarcerated in California and is facing a first-degree murder charge for the January murder of Curtis Lindenstein , previously a landlord for individuals associated with the "Zizian" group.

The limited information I've received allows me to conclude that my friends and I are being portrayed as a combination of Satan's minions, the devil himself, and the Manson family," Zajko stated in her letter. "It appears that the newspapers haven’t grasped that there are several distinct groups involved, and that neither myself nor my associates are associated with Snyder.

Moreover, she stated, "My friends and I definitely do not refer to ourselves as 'Zizians.'"

However, multiple sections of the letter are dedicated to lavish compliments about LaSota, also known as Ziz. Zajko stated, "Ziz literally saved my life." He further explained, "She isn’t my leader, nor am I hers. Instead, what we share is true friendship, and my affection for her far surpasses any words can convey."

She claimed Ziz “rescued multiple abuse victims” and even once stopped a terrorist attack.

“I've never witnessed her perform a wicked act,” Zajko penned.

The post In a 20-page letter, an individual connected to 'Zizian' claims innocence and refutes media reports. appeared first on Open Vallejo .

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