Judge sets probation revocation hearing for rancher Cliven Bundy’s son

By Ken Ritter, Associated Press

Published Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 | 11:24 a.m.

Updated Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 | 1:44 p.m.

A judge told the adult son of southern Nevada rancher and states' rights advocate Cliven Bundy on Thursday that he faces prison time following his arrest on parole violations and a drug court arrest warrant.

Cliven Lance Bundy, 35, appeared in custody via closed-circuit video from the Clark County jail and said nothing as Senior Clark County District Court Judge Joseph Bonaventure set a Jan. 22 probation revocation hearing.

"He's had many chances," Bonaventure told Bundy's appointed deputy public defender, Jeffrey Rue.

Rue said outside court he'll ask the judge next week to let his client, who uses the name Lance Bundy, remain in a court-run diversion program that aims to help substance abusers remain out of prison.

Bundy was arrested Sunday by federal Bureau of Land Management rangers checking permits of off-road vehicle drivers at Jean Dry Lake south of Las Vegas. A bureau statement said Bundy was driving a commercial tour group vehicle. He is being held without bail.

Bundy could face two to eight years in state prison if he is found to have violated the terms of a five-year probation sentence imposed after he pleaded guilty in February 2013 to felony burglary and weapon theft charges.

He acknowledged in July during an interview with The Associated Press that he had an addiction to opiate painkillers, and said he was getting counseling.

Bundy's father said Wednesday his son told him little about his case when they last spoke late last month at the family home in Bunkerville, about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

"I'd like to, but I don't know how to help him," the elder Bundy said. "He's a grown man."

Cliven Bundy became a symbol for resisting authority after armed supporters faced off with armed federal agents in April to end a Bureau of Land Management roundup of his cattle.