Plains man wanted in connection to Oregon standoff; Sheriff seeks 'peaceful' resolution
Local and federal authorities are in negotiations for the safe arrest of Jake Ryan, according to the sheriff of Sanders County.
Sheriff Tom Rummel issued two statements urging civilians not to interfere as well as confirming no federal agents were operating in the county. Rummel also said that he is in contact with federal authorities.
The FBI issued an arrest warrant for Ryan and contacted his family on Tuesday morning, according to a member of Ryan’s family. Ryan, 25, is wanted for his alleged involvement at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge standoff in Oregon.
A federal judge released Ryan’s name last Monday as the 26th defendant charged with digging a trench with heavy equipment in a Native American archeological site, according to several sources.
The statement issued last Monday called for a “peaceful resolution” between authorities with non-violence, and to protect the rights of Jake Ryan.
“With that said, I want you to know that Federal Officers have not operated in the county without my knowledge,” Rummel said in the statement.
“At this point in time, I have no evidence to suggest that Jake Ryan is in this county.”
Ryan lives with his mother and father, Dan and Roxsanna Ryan. His mother told the Associated Press and Rummel she does not know the whereabouts of her son.
Rummel’s statements on Facebook drew a lot of attention. Some commentators showed support between the peaceful arrest of Ryan while others made calls for action to defend Ryan.
Rummel could not be reached for comment on Tuesday afternoon. However, Sanders County dispatcher Bill Brown said Rummel has been out of the county.
“[Rummel] is in Helena at a meeting,” Brown said. He could not disclose the reason.
Websites that self-identify as “Patriot Media” are urging the release of Ryan from any wrongdoing.
The Shasta Lantern, an example of “patriot media,” posted a story last Monday calling for “Patriot intervention”: “THIS IS NOT A PROTEST! HAVE YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER! Here’s peaceful distraction before the actual action.”
Rummel also said in the statement that he was receiving 400 calls and 100 emails since he released his first statement. He asked for citizens to let the matter be handled without interference.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Jake Ryan’s parents were not home, according to Ryan’s sister Taralee, a 16-year-old home-schooled student who lives at the residence.
Ryan said she did not know her brother’s whereabouts, and the last time she spoke to him was over a month ago. “He is safe,” Ryan said of her brother.
Ryan believes her brother to be innocent when asked about the attention he is receiving.
“I think it’s seriously messed up,” she said in a brief interview with the Clark Fork Valley Press on Tuesday afternoon.
“I think he shouldn’t be charged because he did absolutely nothing wrong,” Ryan added.
Ryan said she and her brother performed in plays, who at times aspired to be a professional actor.
“He wanted to do filming professionally. He went to Las Vegas a fews times to go for schooling, but it didn’t work out.”
Ryan said that her brother lived on the property until recently, but did not work in town. “He didn’t really have a job,” she said.
Ryan said that her family has a medium-sized property in town, but would not be disclose the location.
“We live in the town of Plains,” she said. “That’s all I’m prepared to say at the moment.”
Rummel issued another statement on Mar. 23 thanking citizens for their support and reiterating that no federal agents are in the county, and added that the authorites want this situation to be resolved:
“Although this situation stems from a federal warrant, it is being handled at the local level. I have an open line of communication with the Ryan family and will continue to provide them with accurate, truthful information that can be passed on to Jake when they are able to contact him.”
Rummel added that outside involvement will only complicate matters for the Ryan family.