Cliven Bundy appeals to Oregon sheriff to protect local ranchers against federal imprisonment for bogus 'terrorism' charge

Saturday, January 02, 2016 by: J. D. Heyes
Tags: Hammond family, Bundy Ranch, federal tyranny

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(NaturalNews) Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, whose standoff with federal officials of the Bureau of Land Management made national headlines thanks in large part to the alternative media, has intervened in an Oregon case involving a father-and-son ranching team scheduled to report to federal prison in a few days.

As Natural News reported exclusively, Dwight Hammond, 73, and his son Steven Hammond, 46, were convicted in 2012 under a federal anti-terrorism statute, of committing arson on federal land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. Both were charged in connection with a 2001 fire, and Steven in connection with another fire in 2006. Though the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 calls for a minimum sentence of five years in prison, U.S. District Judge Michael Hogan – now retired – gave them lighter sentences because he did not believe they had exhibited malicious intent.

Federal prosecutors appealed Hogan's three-month sentence for Dwight Hammond, and one-year sentence for Steven Hammond – which both had served – because they were far short of the minimum. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed and ordered them re-sentenced in October, which they duly were.

Now, however, as the date approaches for the Hammonds to report to federal prison to finish out their sentences, Bundy and patriot groups are seeking last-minute intervention by local authorities over what they view as unconstitutional and improper charges and sentencing directed at the Hammonds.

'Constitution limits government'

"With great concern and love and much consideration from prayer, I come to you Harney County Sheriff of Oregon David M. Ward, rancher Steven Dwight Hammond, and rancher Dwight Lincoln Hammond, Jr.," Cliven wrote in a letter that was also posted online, on his blog site.

"I, Cliven D. Bundy, have been involved for several weeks in the background striving to understand and comprehend your dilemmas in Harney County, Oregon," his letter continued. "I understand that the grass that was burnt on each side of the fence was grazing rights that had been created through beneficial use, one side of the fence being private property and the other side of the fence being private property rights. The fires that were set were for a good purpose and had good results."

Bundy asserted that the U.S. government "has NO jurisdiction or authority" in Oregon, especially "over this type of ranch management."

"These lands are not under U.S. treaties or commerce, they are not article 4 territories, and Congress does not have unlimited power," Bundy wrote. "These lands have been admitted into statehood and are part of the great State of Oregon and the citizens of Harney County enjoy the fullness of the protections of the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution limits United States government."

'Evidentiary hearing'

Bundy wants Sheriff Ward to intervene on behalf of the Hammonds, to take them into custody for their own protection.

"It is my suggestion, Steven Hammond, that you go and check yourself into Harney County jail asking for protective custody. It is my suggestion, Dwight Hammond, that you go and check yourself into Harney County jail asking for protective custody," he wrote. "It is my suggestion, Harney County Sheriff David Ward, accept these two ranchers into your jail, notify the United States Solicitor in Washington DC that you have these two ranchers in Harney County jail, that they will remain there indefinitely under your protective custody and the protection of We the People of Harney County and We the People of the United States of America."

As before, contained in a redress of grievances filed with local and federal officials on behalf of the Hammonds, Bundy is calling for a grand jury to be convened, to reexamine the case against the Oregon ranchers.

"I suggest an Evidentiary Hearing or a Grand Jury be formed by We the People."

Sources:

http://bundyranch.blogspot.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBBJe7FmRXI

http://www.naturalnews.com