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White House Statement
“The Hammonds are multi-generation cattle ranchers in Oregon imprisoned in connection with a fire that leaked onto a small portion of neighboring public grazing land. The evidence at trial regarding the Hammonds’ responsibility for the fire was conflicting, and the jury acquitted them on most of the charges.At the Hammonds’ original sentencing, the judge noted that they are respected in the community and that imposing the mandatory minimum, 5-year prison sentence would “shock the conscience” and be “grossly disproportionate to the severity” of their conduct. As a result, the judge imposed significantly lesser sentences. The previous administration, however, filed an overzealous appeal that resulted in the Hammonds being sentenced to five years in prison. This was unjust. Dwight Hammond is now 76 years old and has served approximately three years in prison. Steven Hammond is 49 and has served approximately four years in prison. They have also paid $400,000 to the United States to settle a related civil suit. The Hammonds are devoted family men, respected contributors to their local community, and have widespread support from their neighbors, local law enforcement, and farmers and ranchers across the West”
Hammond Family Statement
“help signal the need for a more measured and just approach by federal agents, federal officers and federal prosecutors – in all that they do.”
Oregon Congressman Gregg Walden
“As ranchers across eastern Oregon frequently tell me, the Hammonds didn’t deserve a five-year sentence for using fire as a management tool, something the federal government does all the time.”
Steven Hammond
“I don’t know if everybody knows but we received thousands of letters. Um… we love you guys! There’s a there’s a time you get to that point, a letter means a lot.”
Oregon Cattlemen Association
“The Hammonds are family men with widespread support throughout the country. OCA is grateful to President Trump for providing long overdue justice to the Hammonds and are anxious to welcome Dwight and Steven home to Harney County in eastern Oregon.”
Oregon Farm Bureau President Barry Bushue
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Steven and Dwight as they get back to the people and the land they love. We will continue to do whatever we can to ensure that this injustice is never repeated.”