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In a significant turn of events, a South Dakota ranching family has overcome what they described as “politically motivated” criminal charges. Last year, the Biden administration accused Charles and Heather Maude of theft in a 25-acre land dispute. However, federal officials announced the charges were formally dropped on Tuesday night, following intervention from the Trump administration’s Department of Agriculture.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins held a press conference in Washington, D.C., where she praised the resolution of the case. She expressed gratitude for the leadership provided by former President Trump and affirmed that the Maude family could remain in their home without the threat of imprisonment or fines.
Rollins stated, “Thanks to the leadership and the unequivocal and bold leadership of President Trump and his directive to put Americans first, we have the pleasure to announce that the criminal prosecution of the Maudes is now over. They will not be driven from their home. They will not be jailed. They will not be fined. And their children will grow up with the mother and the father they love and who love them.”
The Maudes own the 400-acre Maude Hog and Cattle ranch and have a long-standing history in South Dakota agriculture. They were charged with federal property theft after the U.S. Forest Service claimed that they grazed livestock on federal grasslands next to their property without proper authorization. The couple reportedly held a USDA grazing allotment in good standing since the USFS’s inception, which occurred after the Maude family bought their farm in 1910.
The situation escalated when the Biden administration notified the Maudes that their fencing blocked access to the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. In good faith, the family agreed to have the property lines surveyed.
Instead of resolving the matter amicably, the Biden administration opted to file criminal charges, alleging that the Maudes had knowingly “stolen, purloined and converted” federal land valued over $1,000 for agricultural purposes. Charles and Heather Maude faced severe penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to 10 years and substantial fines.
During the press conference, Heather Maude expressed deep gratitude toward the Trump administration for their rapid intervention, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to the Trump administration and all of these great players that have done so much so quickly relative to what we were facing before to get us where we are today.”
Reflecting on her family’s history, Maude highlighted the significance of their ranching legacy, which spans five generations. The couple emphasized their commitment to agriculture and the freedoms they have fought to preserve.
Heather Maude remarked, “We are both fifth-generation farmers and ranchers. Our families have a combined 250-plus years of production agriculture. We paused briefly in that pursuit in our grandfathers’ generation when both of my grandfathers fought in World War II.”
As emotions ran high, Maude thanked local officials and media organizations for their support during this challenging chapter. She also recognized her parents, their supportive neighbors, and everyone who contributed to their fight against the charges.
“I want to thank my mom and dad, and thank Charlie’s parents, too, our neighbors who stood up for us at the threat of retribution to their own operations that they still face until we get this completely resolved,” Maude expressed. “And we are so thankful for the efforts that are being rolled out today to help make progress in the right direction and everyone else to who wrote, contributed financially, and who prayed for us. May God bless you, and God bless America and God bless American agriculture.”
Rollins extended a message of solidarity to all American farmers and ranchers who have faced similar challenges under the previous administration. She stated, “For all American farmers, ranchers, and producers who are subject to the similar egregious lawfare from the Biden administration, we will work with our counterparts to address any other government overreach in situations like this. We must ensure that our farmers and ranchers have not and will not be targeted for living the American way of life.”
Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the prior administration’s policies in a statement made earlier this week. She emphasized the need to reverse misguided agendas to ensure safety for all Americans. Bondi remarked, “The prior administration’s misguided agenda must be reversed in order to make America safe again. This Department of Justice will spend our resources and efforts on prosecuting criminals, getting drugs off the streets, and identifying and dismantling the weaponization.”
A spokesperson for the Biden administration did not provide comments regarding the dropped charges or the statements made by the Trump administration officials.
This case highlights the ongoing debates over land rights, government regulation, and the challenges faced by rural communities in the United States. The Maude family’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in land disputes and the critical need for fair treatment in agricultural practices.
As farmers and ranchers across the country continue to navigate their agricultural lives, the resolution of this case may instigate discussions on the balance between environmental regulations and the rights of landowners, underscoring the importance of a cooperative relationship between government agencies and the agricultural community.
