Alleged Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupier in court

Medford, Ore. — A Crescent, Oregon man accused of stealing a vehicle inside the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge appeared in Medford’s federal court Monday. The appearance in Medford stems from a violation of terms of his release from a previous charge.

Kenneth Medenbach was out on bail for an illegal camping charge he received in Galice last year. Part of his terms of release were that he would not occupy federal land or commit any crimes. On Monday, he was back in court for allegedly violating those conditions.

Oregon State Police arrested Medenbach in Burns January 15th. They say he stole a government vehicle and took it to a local grocery store. They say he also appeared on a local news report showing where he was living at the occupation.

Medenbach has chosen to represent himself, and did not enter a plea Monday. He’s scheduled to be back in court for the illegal camping charge on February 29th.