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First of 4 Oregon wildlife refuge holdouts released from custody

Sandra Anderson, 48, will be released from jail but is prohibited from contacting her husband and co-defendant, Sean Anderson.

By Marilyn Malara
Sandra Anderson, 48, is the first of the final four Oregon refuge holdouts to be released from jail. A federal magistrate judge ordered Anderson not to in any way directly contact her husband, fellow holdout Sean Anderson, who is still in custody. Photo courtesy of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
1 of 2 | Sandra Anderson, 48, is the first of the final four Oregon refuge holdouts to be released from jail. A federal magistrate judge ordered Anderson not to in any way directly contact her husband, fellow holdout Sean Anderson, who is still in custody. Photo courtesy of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Sandra Anderson, one of the last four holdouts from the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation, will be released from jail, officials said.

Federal Magistrate Judge Janice M. Stewart said Friday Anderson, despite her "very public defiance" of federal officers, is not a flight risk due to her lack of criminal history and the fact she has held a steady job.

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Court-appointed defense lawyer, Tyl Bakker, claimed Anderson was not aware of federal orders to vacate the location, calling her a "relatively minor player," who became "mixed up" in the circumstances.

She was arrested with three other holdouts -- including her husband Sean Anderson, David Fry and Jeff Banta -- on Feb. 11, ending the 41-day occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

As part of her release agreement, Anderson, 48, will not be permitted to directly contact her husband, who is still in custody. Travel will also be limited between her home state of Idaho and Oregon for court appearances.

Ethan Knight, assistant U.S. Attorney, argued for Anderson to remain in custody, citing an unspecified mental illness.

He also noted evidence in the form of photos and video of Anderson holding firearms as well as the discovery of three additional weapons and ammunition found in the couple's vehicle.

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Anderson will undergo a mental health evaluation following Friday's court appearance.

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