An Occupation In Eastern Oregon

Prosecutors Weighing Whether To Move Forward With 2nd Malheur Trial

By Conrad Wilson (OPB)
Nov. 25, 2016 6:02 p.m.

Federal prosecutors are weighing whether to continue with a trial set for February for the defendants who occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

It follows a trial earlier this year where a jury surprised many and found the occupation’s leaders, brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy, along with five others, not guilty.

The second trial is set to begin at the federal courthouse in downtown Portland on Feb. 14.

Related: All 7 Defendants Found Not Guilty In Refuge Occupation Trial

Those facing trial in February are charged with the same felony as earlier defendants: Conspiring to prevent federal employees from doing their job at the wildlife refuge near Burns.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Given the leaders of the occupation were acquitted, some legal experts have questioned whether it’s fair to try the remaining defendants.

U.S. District Court Judge Anna Brown said prosecutors must decide by Dec. 12 whether to move forward. The government could continue with the felony conspiracy charges or bring different ones, likely misdemeanors.

Brown also wants prosecutors and the defense to tell her next month how long they expect the February trial to last and what questions they’d like to ask potential jurors.


Subscribe To 'This Land Is Our Land'

Subscribe to "This Land Is Our Land" on NPR One, Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. Find comprehensive trial coverage at OPB.org/ThisLand.

Share your thoughts on the trial with us on Facebook and Twitter, or by emailing us directly at thisland@opb.org.


THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: