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Defendant Convicted of Conspiracy in Oregon Standoff
PORTLAND, Ore. – In a verdict announced on Friday, March 10, 2017, Jason Patrick, Duane Ehmer, Darryl Thorn, and Jake Ryan, all active participants in the 41-day armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, were found guilty of various crimes.
A federal jury delivered the verdicts after approximately 21 hours over 3 days. Jason Patrick was found 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 2017, here in Portland. The defendants were not on trial for their beliefs but rather for their actions.
The occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge began in January of last year and lasted for 41 days. The defendants purposefully interfered with the daily lives of residents of Burns, Hines, Harney County, and members of the Burns Paiute Tribe. The negative impacts of their actions continue to this day.
U.S. 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 these individuals. He also thanked Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward, Oregon State Police, the Oregon Sheriff’s Association, and the countless local and tribal law enforcement personnel from around the State of Oregon that worked tirelessly to bring about a peaceful resolution to the standoff.
The U.S. Attorney also thanked 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 our country in various capacities despite having their workplaces temporarily taken from them.
The verdicts in this case send a strong message: taking up arms and occupying federal lands and property that interferes with federal employees discharging their duties is and will continue to be illegal. The rule of law matters, and we cannot have people taking over government offices and facilities at the end of a gun and expect no consequences.
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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