Lummis Statement on Federal Government Dropping Criminal Charges Against Maude Family

April 30, 2025
Washington, D.C. —Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement after the federal government dropped criminal charges against Charles and Heath Maude, South Dakota-based ranchers who were involved in a land dispute with the Biden administration.
“The political prosecutions during the Biden administration weren’t just focused on destroying President Trump – they also went after hardworking ranchers trying to run a small family operation,”said Lummis.“As a rancher, and someone with common sense, I’m grateful that Secretary Rollins, Secretary Bondi, and President Trump have ended the injustice that was perpetrated against the Maude family, a family with strong Wyoming roots. Government resources should be directed toward prosecuting actual criminals rather than generational farmers and ranchers.”Background:Charles and Heather Maude were indicted separately nearly a year ago by the Biden administration on charges of theft of federal property stemming from a fence line dispute about a fence built before either were born.