Brian Cavalier
Courtesy of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
Close Bundy family ally Brian "Booda" Cavalier pleaded guilty Wednesday for his role in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation.
Cavalier, the self-proclaimed “personal bodyguard” of co-defendant brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy was among the more than two-dozen charged for the occupation. And he's the closest person to the Bundys to take a plea deal, so far.
Cavalier also served as a bodyguard for Cliven Bundy, the Bundy brothers’ father, during a 2014 standoff with Bureau of Land Management agents in Nevada near the elder Bundy's ranch. Cavalier faces charges in that state as well.
He pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiracy to impede federal workers and a firearms possession charge in the Oregon case.
The plea deal, however, does not affect any of the charges Cavalier is currently facing in Nevada.
“You’re still at risk there for whatever happens there,” said U.S. District Court Judge Anna Brown at the change-of-plea hearing.
Cavalier’s combined charges could garner a maximum of 11 years, but due to his lack of criminal background, he will most likely serve anywhere from 15 to 21 months, according to the judge.
Because Cavalier has admitted to the felony charges, he will not be able to lawfully possess any firearms or ammunition in the future.
Cavalier’s sentencing date will be Sept. 30, a few weeks after the Bundy brothers and other remaining defendants are set to go to trial.
