ZitatLAS VEGAS -- A judge Monday threw out criminal charges against Nevada cattleman Cliven Bundy, his two sons and a co-defendant in their 2014 standoff with federal agents, citing "flagrant misconduct" by prosecutors and the FBI in not disclosing evidence before and during trial.
"The government's conduct in this case was indeed outrageous," said U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. "There has been flagrant misconduct, substantial prejudice and no lesser remedy is sufficient."
The judge issued her ruling before a packed courtroom with nearly 100 spectators inside and more than a dozen others waiting outside the doors. Cliven Bundy's lawyer put his arm around his client. Supporters held hands, wiped tears from their eyes and hugged. One looked up and whispered, "Thank you, Lord.''
The dismissal with prejudice, meaning prosecutors can't seek a new trial, marked an embarrassing nadir for the government, which now has failed to convict the Bundys in two major federal cases stemming from separate armed standoffs.