President Trump Pardons Dwight & Steven Hammond

PRESS RELEASE 7/10/18

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the White House announced President Trump signed Executive Grants of Clemency for Dwight Hammond, Jr., and his son, Steven Hammond. Dwight and Steven served time in jail for setting controlled burns that spread to small patches of public lands. After completing their sentence, prosecutors won an appeal, resulting in the Hammonds being resentenced to the 5-year mandatory minimum.

LaMalfa said: “Dwight and Steven Hammond were let down by our justice system. After serving one sentence – on charges that could be seen as questionable to begin with – overzealous prosecutors wrongfully and unfairly forced the Hammonds to serve additional time in jail, despite their excellent standing in their community. Their case is a prime example of the previous Administration’s overbearing regulation and enforcement on public lands, while their poor stewardship creates fire hazards and restricts access to land that cattle have grazed on for generations. I’m glad to see the President has pardoned these men, and that they will not spend another day unfairly locked away from their families and livelihoods. I join many in Northern California and Oregon in celebrating President Trump’s willingness to resolve this injustice, and I will continue to pursue policy changes to ensure that those using fire as a management tool aren’t treated the same way as terrorists.”

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.