FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Haley Mckey, 202-772-0247 hmckey@defenders.org

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 10, 2017) — A federal jury has convicted occupiers Jason Patrick and Darryl Thorn on felony conspiracy charges for their roles in the 2016 armed takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. Defendants Duane Ehmer and Jake Ryan were acquitted of conspiracy, but both were convicted on lesser charges of depredation of government property.

The following is a statement from Former Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark:

“Defenders of Wildlife is glad that justice was finally obtained in this case. The occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge was a direct assault on the integrity of the National Wildlife Refuge System and put the lives of federal employees at risk. The jury’s verdict ensures that serious crime against our public lands and federal employees will not go unpunished.”

###

 
Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

News

Bison in field
Billings, Mont.

Defenders Stands Against Rejection of Bison Grazing Lands

Defenders of Wildlife is joining conservation group American Prairie in protesting a proposal by the Bureau of Land Management to revoke a decision allowing bison
Mother and baby sperm whale swimming just below the surface.
Washington, DC

Defenders Hails Bill Promising Tools to Protect Whales

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Whale CHARTS (Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies) Act that proposes new tools to
Visit the newsroom