Update and a thank you!
I've since killed every one of these svckers I've found, being careful not to be seen by the imperial guards.

Welcome to the Thalmor Hunting Club! (My current character takes out every Thalmor she sees. Six so far between Riverwood and Whiterun.)

The blessings of Talos be upon you.

Funny, I came across several dead Imperials during a night walk. There was one of them standing over the bodies, told me to keep away. I find this reasonably regularly -- should I stay away or wade in , guns blazing. I don't want the hassle of a bounty on my head.

You'll get a bounty anyway so go ahead and kill them. Don't let the other guards see you do it. I never leave a witness. But I don't murder either. Um, except for the thief that tried to rob me. Sven most took him out. I got the final blow. Shame this isn't a multi player. Sven and I could have split the loot.

Are you sure it was an Imperial soldier? When I happen on a scene where Legion/Stormcloak bodies are laying around, and there's one or two live "soldiers" standing over them, the "soldiers" usually turn out to be bandits who just finished looting the victims of some skirmish that happened before I came along.

My favorite is the male Orc in Imperial officer's gear who immediately demands that I pay some bogus Imperial "tax" or "toll" in order to continue on down the path. I look so much better in that armor than he did.

I ignore them. I like the Thalmor, I would side with them, if I could.
It's their business, most rabid Talos worshippers are obnoxious gets anyway.

I don't care about some prisoners, why cross the Thalmor, for someone who's probabely a obnoxious twit anyway.

That's funny! (had to see what forum I was in)... Soul trap and a black gem takes care of that. I get armor, stuff and a weapon charge. Thanks for trying to rob me.