Melvin D. Bundy, Armed Assault, Nevada 2014

Fourteen defendants, including Melvin D. Bundy, 41, of Round Mountain, Nev., and Blaine Cooper, 36, of Humboldt, Ariz., have been charged in connection with the armed assault against federal law enforcement officers that occurred in the Bunkerville, Nev. area on April 12, 2014, according to a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Nevada.

The indictment, which was announced by U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden and Special Agent in Charge Laura Bucheit, charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, as well as using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, assault on a federal officer, threatening a federal law enforcement officer, obstruction of the due administration of justice, interference with interstate commerce by extortion, and interstate travel in aid of extortion.

The indictment alleges that the defendants planned, organized, and led the assault in order to extort federal law enforcement officers into abandoning approximately 400 head of cattle that were in their lawful care and custody. The cattle belonged to Cliven Bundy, who had trespassed on the public lands for over 20 years, refusing to obtain the legally-required permits or pay the required fees to keep and graze his cattle on the land.

Twelve defendants were arrested earlier today, while two defendants, Brian D. Cavalier and Blaine Cooper, were already in federal custody in the District of Oregon. The newly-added defendants, including Melvin D. Bundy, David H. Bundy, Brian D. Cavalier, Blaine Cooper, and others, are charged with a total of seven counts, including conspiracy and assault on a federal officer.

The indictment also alleges five counts of criminal forfeiture, which would require forfeiture of property derived from the proceeds of the crimes totaling at least $3 million, as well as the firearms and ammunition possessed and used on April 12, 2014.

Charges against the original five defendants, Cliven D. Bundy, Ryan C. Bundy, Ammon E. Bundy, Ryan W. Payne, and Peter T. Santilli, Jr., remain the same. The superseding indictment states that the charges result from a massive armed assault against federal law enforcement officers that occurred in and around Bunkerville, Nev., on April 12, 2014.

U.S. Attorney Bogden stated, “This investigation began the day after the assault against federal law enforcement officers and continues to this day. We will continue to work to identify the assaulters and their role in the assault and the aftermath, in order to ensure that justice is served.”

Special Agent in Charge Bucheit added, “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.”

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