Jason Patrick, Conspiracy, Oregon 2023

PORTLAND, Ore. – A federal jury in Portland has delivered its verdicts against four men who were active participants in the 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon last year. Jason Patrick, Duane Ehmer, Darryl Thorn, and Jake Ryan were found guilty of various federal crimes, including conspiracy, depredation of government property, and possession of firearms in federal facilities.

The verdicts were announced on March 10, 2017, after approximately 21 hours of deliberation over three days. Sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2017, in Portland. The defendants were not on trial for their beliefs, but rather for their conduct, which included taking up arms and occupying federal lands and property that interfered with federal employees discharging their duties.

The jury found Jason Patrick guilty of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States. Darryl Thorn was found guilty of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States and possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in federal facilities. Duane Ehmer and Jake Ryan were both found guilty of depredation of government property.

United States Attorney Billy J. Williams praised the residents of Burns, Hines, and Harney County, Oregon, members of the Burns Paiute Tribe, and others who were victimized by the actions of the defendants. Williams also thanked law enforcement personnel from around the State of Oregon, as well as the employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management for their courage and determination to continue serving their country.

The occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge began in January 2016 and lasted for 41 days. The defendants prevented U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management employees from doing their jobs as stewards of land belonging to all Americans, and purposefully interfered with the daily lives of residents of Burns, Hines, Harney County, and members of the Burns Paiute Tribe.

Williams emphasized that taking up arms because you do not like how things are done can never be accepted as a lawful way to protest. He noted that the good people in rural Oregon who are ranchers, loggers, farmers, and small business owners understand the difference between disagreeing with land management policies and working together to bring about change versus outsiders with a political agenda taking over property with guns and claims of being patriotic.

The FBI provided outstanding investigative support throughout the process, and their professionalism and commitment to justice were instrumental in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the standoff. Williams expressed his gratitude to the FBI and all the other agencies and individuals who worked tirelessly to bring the defendants to justice.

Related Federal Cases