OREGON STANDOFF:  FEDS OPT OUT OF PROSECUTING RYAN BUNDY FOR SPY CAM THEFT PLUS MORE

Eleven days before his death two years ago this week LaVoy Finicum  climbed a ladder and removed a camera along a highway in Harney County, Oregon.  Finicum told the media that he was taking down an FBI surveillance camera that was recording license plate numbers of cars coming and leaving the Oregon Standoff protest site.

The media tried to dispute the notion suggesting it might be a security camera for a utility company.

For his part LaVoy Finicum, spokesman for the protest,  told the media the camera was in a box and the FBI could come by and pick it up.   He wasn't stealing the camera was the message LaVoy was putting out.

You could say LaVoy got his "reply" from the FBI when Agent W. Joseph Astarita opened up and fired two shots at LaVoy's truck on January 26, 2016 moments before Oregon State Police fired the fatal shots that took his life.    The names of the OSP snipers are a closely guarded secret by the way to this day.

Well,we found out after everyone was arrested and put on trial that LaVoy had indeed taken down an FBI spy camera.   Ryan Bundy was charged in connection with it because he had put up the ladder LaVoy Finicum used.     The jury found the defendants not guilty on all other charges, but was divided on the camera theft charge for Ryan Bundy.

Now there's word that a federal prosecutor asked for the charge to be dropped and a judge agreed.

Assistant US Attorney Craig Gabriel wrote that dismissal was "in the best interests of justice".   The charge is dimissed with prejudice meaning it can't be brought back.

"OregonLive" contacted Ryan Bundy who said he was aware of the federal government's plans to drop the charge.

Citing his right to speedy trial Bundy said:  "Had they tried to prosecute, they would have been in gross error".

CANDLES TO BE LIT FOR LAVOY ON FRIDAY

John Lamb posts on Facebook that candles will be lit in honor of LaVoy Finicum this Friday January 26th at 5pm.    He is asking those who can to be present at 1000 SW 3rd Ave. in Portland, Oregon (Patriot Corner).     Those present will go to dinner afterwards and everyone is asked to wear a LaVoy shirt.

Everyone everywhere is urged to post a picture of their candles lit for LaVoy on the livestream at  #justiceforlavoy


DUANE EHMER REPORTS TO PRISON TODAY

Duane Ehmer, who was convicted in the second rigged Oregon Standoff trial will report to a federal prison in Lompoc, California today to serve a one year and one day sentence.

Ehmer rode his horse "Hellboy" down the West Coast on his way to the prison.

Ammon Bundy posted on Facebook Monday quoting himself-"Time has a way of vindicating you" and also posted "Never forget a soldiers sacrifice".  #freeduaneehmer


JAKE RYAN WANTS TO REPRESENT HIMSELF AT SENTENCING TODAY

Jake Ryan is set to be sentenced in federal court in Portland today.   He, too, was convicted in the second rigged Oregon Standoff trial. 

Ryan wants to represent himself at sentencing and paperwork was filed this week by his lawyer to withdraw.