Oregon Standoff Defendant Pleads Guilty

A man accused of being one of the organizers of the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday afternoon to plead guilty.

Corey Lequieu "was a planner and organizer of the armed takeover," prosecutors wrote last month in court papers.

He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

As Patch first reported, his plea is not part of a cooperation agreement and his plea cannot be used against his co-defendants.

When asked why he was pleading guilty, Lequieu told the judge: "Damned if I do, damned if I don't."

In return for his plea, firearms charges against him have been dismissed.

Nevada also participated in the deal, They agreed not pursue charges against Lequieu in connection with the 2014 standoff at Bunkerville. Several of his co-defendants in the Malheur takeover case are also charged in Nevada.

With the weapons charges being dropped, Lequieu avoids the possibility of a life sentence.

He is one of 26 people to have been indicted in connection with the case and would be the second to plead guilty.

Last week, Scott Willingham pleaded guilty to stealing government property in relation to the removal of a government-owned camera.

Lequieu, who was in Harney County as early as last December, came to the attention of law enforcement officers fairly quickly, according to prosecutors.

"The Oregon State Police issued a bulletin to the FBI on December 17, 2105, which stated: “Most importantly, Cody [sic] Lequieu, 41 yoa is talking openly about killing police officers. He apparently is in the area. He blames LE [Law Enforcement] for his troubles," they wrote in court papers.

Prosecutors write that Lequieu was in "the initial convoy" that took over the refuge and "participated in guar duty, while armed with his assault rifle."

In arguing for Lequieu's release, his lawyer painted a different picture of him.

"Mr. Lequieu poses no danger to the community and he is not a flight risk," wrote Ramon Pagan. "He has a home in Fallon, Nevada to return to and he is adamant in his desire to appear and defend himself, along with his co-defendants, at trial.

"Mr. Lequieu has the support of his community and his fiancé, Ms. Deborah Carter Pope, with whom he will reside in Fallon, Nevada, if released."

Pagan wrote that Lequieu grew up in California and entered the Army in 1987 when he was 17-years-old.

He served six years and was honorably discharged, Pagin writes.

After being discharged, Lequieu had some troubles, which resulted in him being "convicted of several offenses and" spending a "significant" amount of time in prison.

After getting out of jail, Lequieu met Deborah Pope, a former deputy sheriff. They have a son together.

He will be sentenced on August 25th and will likely receive 2 1/2 years in prison.