PORTLAND — A Nevada man who participated in the armed occupation of an Oregon bird sanctuary has pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge.
In exchange for Corey Lequieu’s plea, prosecutors agreed to drop weapons charges.
A federal judge scheduled sentencing for Aug. 25. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Gabriel says prosecutors will recommend 2 1/2 years in prison.
The Ammon Bundy-led takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge began Jan. 2 and lasted nearly six weeks.
Lequieu is the first of 26 defendants charged with conspiracy to plead guilty. The trial for the other 25 is set for Sept. 7.
