Hageman Blasts Feds For “Weaponized” Intimidation Of Ranch Family Over Fence

By BC Editor | April 18, 2025

Harriet Hageman is calling out federal officials for an armed federal agent in tactical gear showing up on a South Dakota ranch over a fence line dispute. She condemns the “weaponized” response and wants the feds to explain themselves.

Mark Heinz
Cowboy State Daily
January 22, 2025
Heather and Charles Maude, owners of Maude Hog & Cattle near Caputa, South Dakota, were each served with separate federal indictments over a fence line dispute with the U.S. Forest Service.
Heather and Charles Maude, owners of Maude Hog & Cattle near Caputa, South Dakota, were each served with separate federal indictments over a fence line dispute with the U.S. Forest Service. (Courtesy Maude Hog & Cattle)

Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman is among Republicans in Congress calling out federal officials for an armed, intimidating response to a South Dakota ranch family’s home over a 75-year-old property line dispute.

A scathing letter obtained by Cowboy State Daily early Wednesday was sent to Alison Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, from Hageman and other congressional representatives. It calls for Ramsdell to provide a briefing about the case of Charles and Heather Maude of Caputa, South Dakota.

According to reports, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Travis Lunders showed up unannounced at the Maudes’ home on June 24, 2024, armed and in tactical gear, to serve the couple with federal indictments. The indictments were for the alleged theft of government property. Read more

Posted in All States, Government Weaponization, South Dakota