Malheur refuge defendant asks court to toss indictment

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — One of seven Oregon refuge standoff defendants awaiting trial is asking the court to dismiss his indictment, arguing that statements by federal officials expressing disappointment after the acquittal of Ammon Bundy will taint his right to a fair trial.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (https://goo.gl/14tmJi ) Jason Patrick, who is representing himself, filed the motion Tuesday to have the charge against him dismissed.

Patrick is accused of conspiring to prevent federal employees from carrying out their work during the 41-day takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge earlier this year.

Occupation leaders Ammon Bundy, his brother, Ryan Bundy, and five others were found not guilty of federal conspiracy and weapons charges after a trial that ended in October.

Patrick and other defendants are waiting to hear from prosecutors on whether they plan to move forward with the February trial and on what charges.

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