Investigator claims misconduct in armed Nev. standoff

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A lead investigator who looked into how the U.S. Bureau of Land Management handled an armed standoff with ranchers in Nevada is alleging misconduct in a memo obtained by a newspaper.

The memo was obtained Thursday by The Oregonian/OregonLive and a defense lawyer for Cliven Bundy now wants federal charges against his client dismissed.

The trial is currently under way in Las Vegas.

BLM investigator Larry Wooten alleges supervisory agents didn’t turn over required evidence to the prosecution team.

He also says they mocked Cliven Bundy, his two sons and their followers and were too heavy-handed as they engaged with armed ranchers.

The standoff stopped a government cattle roundup three years ago in Nevada.

The defendants face 15 felony charges including assault and threats against federal officers, obstruction and extortion.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com