Sheriff's Ward letter in response to Hammond Supporters

November 20, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I have received a huge response from American citizens regarding the resentencing of Dwight and Steven Hammond.  I am aware, as I have read it for myself, that there is a significant amount of misinformation being posted on internet sites.

The fact remains:

1. The case was investigated by the sheriff at that time.
2. The case was brought before a grand jury and the defendants were indicted in accordance with the law.
3. The defendants were tried in federal court and found guilty by a jury of their peers.
4. The charges of conviction carry a 60 month federal minimum sentence by law.  A law which was passed by congress and signed into law by the President.
5. The defendant’s attorneys requested the 60 month minimum sentence for the crimes of conviction and the defendants accepted the sentence.
6. The presiding judge violated the law and handed down a sentence of less than the mandatory minimum required by law.
7. The prosecution filed an appeal to the decision which went to the 9^th Circuit Court, where the court found that the 60 month minimum sentence had to be upheld.
8. The defendants appealed to the Supreme Court, which elected not to hear the case.
9. The defendants were resentenced to fulfill the remainder of the 60 month minimum sentence required by law.

It is my belief that the Hammonds are decent hard working citizens of Harney County and deserve my attention in this matter.  I have read and will continue to read and look into any injustice found in this matter. 

Please read the attached sentence order.  It is lengthy, but will clear up some of the misinformation being found on the internet.

Thank you for your concern and willingness to help in this matter.  If you have any further questions for me please feel free to respond and I will do my best to get back to you in a timely manner.  I have received many phone calls and emails in this matter and will respond to each one as best I can.

David M Ward

Harney County Sheriff