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Harney Co Occupation Juror Dismissed

PORTLAND, OR -- A juror in the federal trial of the seven people accused of occupying the Malheur National Wildlife refuge has been dismissed, replaced by a Central Oregon woman. Another juror informed the judge that Juror #11 worked for the Bureau of Land Management. Juror 11 reportedly told other jurors he was biased.

 

Defense attorney Matt Schindler tells KATU News it's rare. "We’re here in federal court and the rules don’t generally favor us. But, I think this is a situation where Judge Brown, who is a very experienced jurist, doesn’t exactly know what to do." He adds, "From my perspective, it’s a positive that we would be able to remove someone who potentially has a bias against our clients."

 

The juror revealed his job history during initial jury selection, but initially said he could remain impartial. The judge took input from both prosecutors and defense attorneys and agreed he should be dismissed. Juror #18, an alternate from Central Oregon, will be seated and deliberations must start over.

 

Jurors are considering whether seven defendants conspired to keep federal workers at the refuge from doing their job. 

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