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Charges dropped against SD ranching family in federal land dispute

  • The Trump administration dropped criminal charges on April 28, 2025, against Charles and Heather Maude, a South Dakota ranching couple involved in a federal land dispute near Mount Rushmore.
  • The prosecution originated under the Biden administration from a boundary dispute over 25 acres of federal land adjacent to the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, with allegations of stealing government property.
  • The Maudes, who have held a federal grazing permit for decades and operated a multi-generational ranch, faced up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 after an unexpected grand jury indictment in June 2024.
  • USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins called the case a "senseless politically motivated prosecution" and ordered an immediate stop to similar cases, stating, "Regulation by prosecution is NO MORE" and vowing to root out rogue bureaucrats.
  • The charges dismissal drew praise from ranchers and politicians and prompted legislation for mediation in land disputes, but uncertainty remains over the Maudes’ continued access and use of the disputed land.
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News Dakota broke the news in on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
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