U.S. attorneys say the Free Land Holder Committee has failed to respond to its lawsuit in a proper and timely way, and on April 1 filed a motion requesting that the U.S.> District Court in Denver enter a default judgment in the case.
The lawsuit, filed in November by Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell, names Patrick Pipkin, Bryan Hammon and other “unidentified individuals” in the Free Land Holder Committee. It was filed in the wake of a public lands dispute outside Mancos, when the group fenced a parcel of public land known as the Hallar Deed Area.
The government alleges that the Free Land Holders acted in concert to restrict access to public land, violating federal laws.
Specifically, in regards to the motion for an entry of default, attorneys cite a failure to defend themselves by a March 20 deadline.
They also say that Pipkin, who attempted to file motions on behalf of the entire Free Land group, is not authorized to represent them and his filings do not identify any group members in particular.
If the clerk of court concedes and agrees the Free Land defendants have failed to respond and defend themselves properly, Pipkin, Hammon and the other unnamed Free Land Holders may receive fines, among other penalties and punishments.
A default judgment likely would strengthen the U.S. position in reclaiming the Hallar Deed Area and addressing alleged violations of public lands laws.
Updates will follow as the court reviews the motion.
