55°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

Judge rejects prosecutors’ bid to reopen Bundy criminal case

A lawyer for Bunkerville rancher and states’ rights activist Cliven Bundy is hailing as “the final nail in the coffin” a judge’s decision this week not to let federal prosecutors reopen the criminal case stemming from a 2014 armed standoff with government agents.

Attorney Bret Whipple on Friday characterized the 72-year-old Bundy as relieved following Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro’s ruling that “flagrant misconduct” by prosecutors had irreparably tainted the case.

A spokeswoman for Acting U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson declined immediate comment.

Prosecutors could appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

Navarro in January dismissed the criminal case against Bundy, two sons and a Montana militia leader after declaring a mistrial in December.

She found federal prosecutors responsible for “deliberate attempts to mislead and distort the truth.”

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Ammon Bundy running for Idaho governor

Anti-government activist Ammon Bundy is running to be Idahos next governor, according to documents filed Friday with the Secretary of States office.