Refuge occupier accused of violating supervised release

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon refuge occupier was briefly back in custody and appeared before a federal magistrate judge on an accusation of violating the conditions of his supervised release.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Jason Patrick was sentenced in February 2017 to one year and nine month in prison in the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. A jury convicted Patrick of conspiracy to impede federal workers through intimidation, threat or violence, a felony. A judge convicted him of trespass, tampering with vehicles and equipment and destruction or removal of property, all misdemeanors.

At the time of his sentence, he had already served 16 months. He was released from federal prison March 30 of 2017. Most recently, he has been living in a trailer in Baker City.

Court-appointed lawyer Thomas Price said Monday that Patrick denies the allegations.

Patrick was released pending a preliminary hearing Thursday.