PLAINFIELD, N.H. (AP) – Federal authorities detained a Free State Project member attempting to attend a party Saturday on the property of convicted tax evaders Ed and Elaine Brown.

U.S. Marshal Stephen Monier said 51-year-old Lauren Canario was arrested after trying to get past a law enforcement checkpoint set up to stop motorists traveling to the “Freedom Fest” scheduled Saturday at the Browns’ hilltop compound. About a dozen federal, state and local officers stationed at the checkpoint handed out fliers explaining a court order to stay away from the Browns. Monier said Canario, who has made statements on the Internet expressing her support for the Browns, ignored three warnings to stay away.

“The last time she got out of the vehicle and tried to walk past us, so she was arrested,” Monier said.

He said his office was consulting with the U.S. Attorney about possible charges.

Authorities also seized the car of two other supporters, citing an expired registration.

The Browns were convicted in January of hiding nearly $2 million in income to avoid paying federal taxes. They have refused to report for their prison sentences, instead holing up in their fortress-like home and getting help from supporters who bring them food, supplies and broadcast their message via Web sites and online broadcasts.

Authorities last week arrested and indicted four supporters with aiding and abetting the convict couple. Three men are charged with providing weapons to the Browns and declaring their intent to stage an armed resistance if authorities try to arrest the couple. A fourth man is charged with providing the Browns with a car and supplies.

Monier has said anyone helping the Browns evade authorities could face criminal prosecution.

He’s also warned people to stay away from the property, noting hazardous conditions there. Monier said there are signs the couple’s support is waning. By four on Sunday afternoon, he said his officers had turned away only 20 cars headed for the Browns.

“Between the announcements about the arrests and the weather, there were not too many people showing up,” he said.

AP-ES-09-16-07 1512EDT