Amid armed standoff, Oregon ranchers turn themselves in to prison

On Monday afternoon, Dwight Hammond, 73, and Steven Hammond, 46, surrendered to prison authorities in Southern California, two days after at least 15 men, some armed, seized 19 buildings on an Oregon federal wildlife refuge in protest of their sentencing.

Three years ago, the Hammonds were convicted of arson, after they set fire to 139 acres of public lands; they claimed that some fires they set to reduce the growth of invasive plants on their land unintentionally reached federal land. Dwight Hammond served three months and Steven Hammond one year, but a judge ruled that under federal law, that wasn't enough time, and ordered them both back to prison. They are expected to serve about four years each. Dwight Hammond's niece, Karyn Gallen, told the Los Angeles Times the father and son flew to Southern California from Oregon, and spent time with family before surrendering at San Pedro's Terminal Island federal correctional facility.

Protesters angry about the re-sentencing descended upon the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, 30 miles south of Burns, Oregon, on Saturday. It's not entirely clear what they want, but Harney County Sheriff David M. Ward said he suspects they would like to overthrow the government. On Monday, Ward told the men still holed up inside the refuge that "the Hammonds have turned themselves in. It's time to go home, return to your families." Gallen said her family appreciates the support, but the seizure of the refuge buildings has nothing to do with her uncle's case.

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