FBI arrests remaining occupiers at Oregon wildlife refuge (Read Indictment)

After 41 days, the remaining occupiers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge were arrested Thursday morning without incident.

The remaining four occupiers were arrested after they walked out of the refuge to a checkpoint held by federal agents after a night of negotiations. No one was injured and no shots were fired.

Each faces one federal felony count of conspiracy to impede officers of the United States from discharging their official duties through the use of force, intimidation, or threats.

The last of the occupation included: Sean Larry Anderson, 47, of Riggins, Idaho; Sandra Lynn Anderson, 48, of Riggins, Idaho; Jeff Wayne Banta, 46, of Yerington, Nevada; and David Lee Fry, 27, of Blanchester, Ohio.

The four were indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 29 along with 12 others, including:

  • Dylan Wade Anderson, 34, of Provo, Utah
  • Ammon Edward Bundy, 40, of Emmett, Idaho
  • Ryan C. Bundy, 43, of Bunkerville, Nevada
  • Brian Cavalier, 44, of Bunkerville, Nevada
  • Shawna Cox, 59, Kanab, Utah
  • Duane Leo Ehmer, 45, of Irrigon, Oregon
  • Kenneth Medenbach, 62, of Crescent, Oregon
  • Joseph Donald O’Shaughnessy, 45, of Cottonwood, Arizona
  • Jason S. Patrick, 43, of Bonaire, Georgia
  • Ryan Waylen Payne, 32, of Anaconda, Montana
  • Jon Eric Ritzheimer, 32, Peoria, Arizona
  • Peter Santilli, 50, of Cincinnati, Ohio

A records search shows that the indictment was unsealed on Feb. 3, but the criminal complaint is still sealed.

At times, the refuge was occupied by armed individuals, some of which were arrested last month and one was killed when he allegedly charged at an officer while trying to pull a weapon.

Now that the remaining occupiers have been arrested, the feds will now assess the crime scene and damage to the refuge and tribal artifacts, said Oregon’s U.S. Attorney Billy Williams.

“The occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge has been a long and traumatic episode for the citizens of Harney County and the members of the Burns Paiute tribe,” Williams said. “It is a time for healing, reconciliation amongst neighbors and friends, and allowing for life to get back to normal.”

Armed Rancher Indictment

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