Armed Militia Takes Over Malheur National Wildlife Refuge HQ

Ammon Bundy, brother Ryan Bundy, Ryan Payne and Peter Santilli -- already indicted in the armed takeover of a federal wildlife refuge in eastern Oregon -- now face federal indictment along with Cliven Bundy in the 2014 armed standoff near the Bundy ranch in Nevada.

The indictment charges the four with 16 felonies, including one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, one count of conspiring to impede or injure a federal officer, four counts of carrying a firearm in a crime of violence, two counts of assault on a federal officer, two counts of threatening a federal law enforcement officer, three counts of obstructing justice, two counts of interfering with interstate commerce by extortion and one count of interstate travel in aid of extortion.

It also alleges five counts of criminal forfeiture against each of the five defendants. If convicted of the offenses, they would be required to forfeit property obtained from the proceeds of their crimes, totaling at least $3 million, including any and all cattle at the so-called Bunkerville Allotment and Lake Mead National Recreational Area in Nevada. Firearms and ammunition used in the April 12, 2014, standoff with federal authorities also would be forfeited.

"The rule of law has been reaffirmed with these charges,'' said Nevada's U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden, in a prepared statement. "Persons who use force and violence against federal law enforcement officers who are enforcing court orders and nearly causing catastrophic loss of life or injury to others, will be brought to justice.''

Hey Essy - the last thing the Feds need is ranchers helping them, 1200 people have already volunteered to help restore the refuge. That is more than all the "brave" morans that showed up and tucked tail at the first sign of danger.