Today 15 SD legislators gathered to see and hear about the tragic situation involving Charles and Heather Maude. This young couple and their children are trying their best to make a living off the land in western South Dakota. They have been criminally indicted for theft of federal property. This carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and possibility of up to $250,000 fine.
For generations the Maude’s have farmed or ranched this land. Adjacent land is owned by the US Forest Service. A land agent inquired about a fence on the property, wondering if the boundary was correct. The fence had been there many, many years, but the Maude’s were willing to work something out, just like good neighbors do. They agreed to a survey. The survey was done, but about 6 weeks later the Maude’s were summoned to US District Court, having been indicted for theft of government property.
This couple did not have due process, were indicted separately which means each needed their own lawyer, have a gag order so they cannot talk about the case—even with each other, and were ordered to not be around firearms, which is a 2nd amendment issue. There has now been a continuance so the new trial date is in July.
We saw the land in question. We heard the concern from family members and neighbors. We told them we will do something.
This is not okay. This is over the top. This is not how good working, salt of the earth, South Dakota people should be treated. This looks like Lawfare.
In South Dakota the people are never more united than when our friends or neighbors are under attack. Please pray for justice for the Maude family.
