Woman Occupier to be Released Once Standoff Ends
BURNS, Ore. (AP) – The only woman arrested so far in the standoff at an Oregon wildlife refuge will be allowed to go home while her case makes its way through the court system.
But U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie Beckerman says that won’t happen until after the armed occupation ends. The judge says she doesn’t want Shawna Cox to act on an impulse and return to the refuge.
Beckerman also said Joseph O’Shaughnessy doesn’t have to remain in custody, noting that he didn’t spend his nights at the refuge. Federal prosecutors objected, however, and he’ll stay in jail pending a Tuesday hearing.
Beckerman said she might also release citizen journalist Peter Santilli. But she said it’s a close call and wasn’t ready to make an immediate decision.
The other occupiers, whom Beckerman considered key players, were denied pre-trial release.
(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
