Feds Indict Bundy, 18 Others over 2014 Ranch Standoff
Last week, a federal grand jury expanded an indictment originally filed against Cliven Bundy, bringing the total number of defendants to 19.
As a result of the nine-count indictment, a dozen men from five states were arrested and now face federal charges from their involvement in the 2014 armed standoff with authorities in Nevada over cattle grazing rights near Cliven Bundy’s ranch in southern Nevada. Cliven Bundy was arrested in Portland, Oregon, on February 10 while traveling to visit his sons in the Oregon standoff.
“These indictments and subsequent arrests send an irrefutable message to the American people that our determination remains steadfast to protect them and pursue individuals who participate in violent acts of this nature,” said Special Agent in Charge Bucheit in a statement.
The indictment also named Bundy’s two sons, Ammon and Ryan, the leaders and instigators of around 200 gunmen who created a picket line of self-styled Bundy militia perched on a high Interstate 15 bridge, pointing military-style AR-15 and AK-47 weapons down at BLM agents and cowboys herding cattle up a ravine to a corral. Dozens of woman and children were in the possible crossfire.
The federal officials backed down, and they released about 400 cows that had been rounded up.
The 19 defendants are facing conspiracy, assault and threats charges from leading the armed confrontation with US Bureau of Land Management agents, who were forced to halt an attempt to move cattle belonging to the elder Bundy out of federal lands. Bundy has long refused to pay federal fees in exchange for permission to let his cattle graze on public lands, according to RT.
The indictment alleges the Bundys recruited, trained and provided support for armed men and others amid a dispute of more than $1 million unpaid federal grazing fees. Bundy's outstanding federal grazing fees are reportedly more than all other ranchers combined.
The brothers were among 16 defendants who pleaded not guilty last week to federal conspiracy charges.
According to federal officials, the 12 men arrested last Thursday include: Gerald "Jerry" DeLemus of Rochester, New Hampshire; Blaine Cooper of Humboldt, Arizona; Eric J. Parker and Steven A. Stewart, both of Hailey, Idaho; O. Scott Drexler of Challis, Idaho; Richard R. Lovelien of Westville, Oklahoma; Todd C. Engel of Boundary County, Idaho; Gregory P. Burleson of Phoenix; Joseph D. O'Shaughnessy of Cottonwood, Arizona; and Micah L. McGuire and Jason D. Woods both of Chandler, Arizona.
“I truly believe this is showing the federal government thinks they have unlimited power over we the people,” Carol Bundy told the Associated Press in a brief telephone interview. “What kind of government do we have?”
“This is going to be won in the court of public opinion,” she added. “When we the people make a stand, that's when we'll win.”