A U.S. judge in Nevada has dismissed charges against rancher Cliven Bundy and his 2 sons.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro's ruling on Monday comes after she declared a mistrial last month in proceedings against 71-year-old Cliven Bundy, sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy, and Montana militia leader Ryan Payne.
The judge signaled at that time that she might dismiss the case outright.
Navarro severely criticized prosecutors for what she called "willful" violations of due process rights of defendants, including failing to properly turn over evidence to their lawyers.
United States Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada released the following statement today regarding the ruling:
“We respect the Court’s ruling and will make a determination about the next appropriate steps.”
Navarro's decision is sure to reverberate among states' rights advocates in the Western U.S., where the federal government controls vast lands that some people want to protect and others want used for grazing, mining and oil and gas drilling.
The collapse of the case is a stunning failure for the U.S. attorney's office in Nevada, where 19 co-defendants were indicted in early 2016 on charges including conspiracy, obstruction and threats and assault of federal agents in the April 2014 standoff outside Bunkerville.
Supporters of the Bundy family waiting outside federal courthouse for Cliven's release after judge dismissed #BundyTrial with prejudice @KTNV pic.twitter.com/kCHmjKKlFW
— Tom George (@TheTomGeorge) January 8, 2018
Cliven Bundy and his wife Carol embracing after he walks out a free man after nearly 2 years behind bars #BundyTrial @KTNV pic.twitter.com/qCaCHEj7Hj
— Tom George (@TheTomGeorge) January 8, 2018
