Federal prosecutors “willfully” failed to share evidence with lawyers defending Cliven Bundy and two sons, who are on trial for an April 2014 armed standoff, ruled U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro in declaring a mistrial on felony charges that included conspiracy, the Los Angeles Times reported. “It is not possible to go forward with the case,” said Navarro, who later scheduled a new trial of the Bundys for Feb. 26.
Navarro said there had been several violations of the so-called Brady Rule, which requires prosecutors to disclose evidence that may aid a defendant’s case, said the newspaper. Bundy and his sons were accused of threatening a federal officer, illegally using firearms, and engaging in a conspiracy. “The 71-year-old Bundy is revered among those who believe the federal government abuses its authority,” said the Los Angeles Times. Interior Department workers were met by as many as 400 Bundy supporters when they tried to move his cattle off public land nearly four years ago.
U.S. prosecutors have a losing streak in court with the Bundy family, the Times pointed out. “Twice this year, Las Vegas juries acquitted or deadlocked on multiple felony charges against Bundy supporters. Ammon Bundy, 42, and Ryan Bundy, 44, were acquitted on similar federal felony charges related to their roles in a 41-day standoff at an Oregon wildlife preserve in 2016.”