Criminal Charges Dropped Against South Dakota Ranching Family Amid Land Dispute

In a significant legal victory for a South Dakota ranching family, politically motivated criminal charges have been dropped against CHARLES and HEATHER MAUDE, owners of the 400-acre Maude Hog and Cattle ranch. The charges stemmed from a contentious 25-acre land dispute with the Biden administration, which had accused the family of unauthorized use of federal grasslands for grazing.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the leadership of Secretary BROOKE ROLLINS, announced the dismissal of the charges during a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. ROLLINS credited President DONALD TRUMP‘s directive to prioritize Americans’ rights as the driving force behind the decision. “Thanks to the unequivocal and bold leadership of President Trump, we are pleased to announce that the criminal prosecution of the Maudes is now over,” ROLLINS stated. “They will not be driven from their home, jailed, or fined. Their children will grow up with the parents who love them.”

The Maudes faced severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines, after the Biden administration’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) alleged they had “knowingly stolen” 25 acres of National Grasslands for cultivation and grazing. The couple, fifth-generation ranchers, had maintained a grazing allotment in good standing since the USFS’s inception, long after their family purchased the farm in 1910. According to the USDA, the Maudes had cooperated with a property survey but were met with criminal charges instead of a resolution.

HEATHER MAUDE, speaking at the press conference, expressed profound gratitude to the Trump administration. “We are incredibly thankful for the swift action taken to resolve this ordeal,” she said. Reflecting on her family’s legacy, she added, “Both of our families have over 250 years of combined agricultural history. Our grandfathers fought in World War II, and now we continue their tradition of pursuing our passion for agriculture.”

ROLLINS emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting American farmers and ranchers from government overreach. “For all farmers and ranchers subjected to similar egregious legal actions under the Biden administration, we will work to address these injustices,” she affirmed, mentioning collaboration with South Dakota Governor KRISTI NOEM and other allies.

Attorney General PAM BONDI also weighed in, condemning the previous administration’s approach. “The Biden administration’s misguided agenda must be reversed to restore safety and fairness,” BONDI declared.

While the Maudes’ case has been resolved, questions remain about the broader implications of such disputes. A spokesperson for President Biden did not respond to requests for comment.

**Sources:**
[Tri-State Livestock News](https://www.tristatelivestocknews.com)
[USDA Press Release](https://www.usda.gov)