LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec. 20, 2017 (Gephard Daily) — A federal judge has declared a mistrial in the case involving Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, his two sons and another militia leader.
On Wednesday morning, U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro announced the decision after she found that prosecutors “willfully” failed to turn over evidence related to a 2014 armed standoff with federal agents outside the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., the Los Angeles Times reported.
Navarro pointed out several violations of the Brady rule, which which requires prosecutors to disclose evidence that could be favorable to a defendant. She then dismissed the jury.
On Nov. 29, Cliven Bundy and his son Ammon were offered a release from jail for the remainder of their federal trial, but Cliven Bundy reportedly refused the deal unless all defendants are released.
The offer was made during a sealed session with Navarro.
The elder Bundy and sons Ammon and Ryan, along with militia leader Ryan Payne, have been charged with conspiring to commit an offense against the U.S. and conspiring to impede or injure a federal officer. They’ve also been charged with extortion.
If convicted on all counts, each could face up to 80 years in federal prison.
Ryan Bundy had already been granted a release to a halfway house prior to Thanksgiving, just as the case was getting underway after a Nov. 15 start date. He was placed on house arrest upon his release, but Navarro later lessened that restriction, allowing him to leave the residence while placing him on curfew.
The 2014 armed standoff was sparked by BLM agents who attempted to seize the Bundys’ cattle for non-payment of an estimated $1 million in grazing fees. The Bundys had long maintained the fees were unconstitutional.
After Navarro declared a mistrial, Ryan Bundy asked for his release with a promise to appear in court if a new trial is set, but Navarro told him he would have to make the request through the pre-trial office.
Navarro has set Feb. 26 as a new trial date. Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information becomes available.
Carol Bundy posted a message to supporters on Facebook:
White privilege.