The trial of six men accused of federal crimes during a standoff at a Nevada ranch divided a Las Vegas jury Monday.
The jury found two men guilty of crimes connected to the armed standoff at Cliven Bundy’s ranch in 2014. A group critical of federal land management gathered at Bundy's ranch to defy agents there to round up his cattle, which were grazing on public lands. The armed standoff ended without injuries.
One of the men convicted yesterday is Todd Engel of Boundary County, Idaho. He was found guilty of obstruction and extortion and could be imprisoned for up to 30 years. A defendant from Arizona was convicted with eight charges.
But the jury could not come to a decision about the other four men and the judge declared a mistrial. Three of those defendants are also from Idaho, and a new trial for them is set for the end of June.
The court proceedings are a precursor to the upcoming trial for Cliven Bundy and his two eldest sons Ryan and Ammon – who also led the armed occupation of a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon last year.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
Copyright 2017 Boise State Public Radio
