Refuge defendant seeks to withdraw guilty plea

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Joseph O’Shaughnessy is latest Oregon standoff figure to ask for his guilty plea to be withdrawn.

The Arizona man pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge nearly three months before a jury acquitted seven of his co-defendants, including standoff leader Ammon Bundy.

O’Shaughnessy is awaiting trial on accusations stemming from a 2014 standoff with government authorities at the Bundy ranch near Bunkerville, Nevada.

Defense attorney Tony Schwartz wrote Sunday that O’Shaughnessy had a plea deal in Nevada, but it was contingent on him pleading guilty in Oregon. Because the plea offer fell apart, his client should be able to withdraw his Oregon plea.

When he pleaded guilty in Portland, O’Shaughnessy said he didn’t participate in the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, but felt a duty to provide security for the protesters.

Two other defendants have sought to withdraw their pleas. The judge has yet to rule on their requests.