By USA Daily Now 
In a significant development, politically motivated criminal charges against a South Dakota ranching family have been dropped, marking the end of a contentious 25-acre land dispute that had drawn national attention. The decision was announced by federal officials late Tuesday, bringing relief to CHARLES and HEATHER MAUDE, owners of the 400-acre Maude Hog and Cattle ranch.
The charges were dismissed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the leadership of Secretary BROOKE ROLLINS. During a press conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, ROLLINS publicly declared the end of the Maudes’ legal ordeal, crediting former President DONALD TRUMP for his decisive intervention. “Thanks to the leadership and the unequivocal boldness of President Trump and his directive to put Americans first, we are pleased to announce that the criminal prosecution of the Maudes is now over,” ROLLINS stated. “They will not be driven from their home, jailed, or fined, and their children will continue to grow up with the parents they love.”
The Maudes, fifth-generation ranchers, were accused last year by the Biden administration’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) of unlawfully using federal grasslands adjacent to their property for grazing. According to *Tri-State Livestock News*, the family had held a grazing allotment in good standing since the inception of the USFS, long after their farm was established in 1910. Despite the Maudes’ cooperation in resolving the property dispute, the Biden administration pursued criminal charges, alleging theft of federal property valued at over $1,000. Each faced up to 10 years in prison and millions in fines.
HEATHER MAUDE, speaking at the press conference, expressed profound gratitude to the Trump administration and its allies. “We are incredibly thankful to the Trump administration and all those who worked swiftly to resolve this nightmare,” she said. Reflecting on her family’s legacy, she added, “Our families have over 250 years of agricultural history. We’ve always fought for freedom, whether during wartime or in our daily lives as farmers and ranchers.”
ROLLINS extended her support to other farmers and ranchers facing similar challenges. “For all American producers subjected to egregious lawfare under the Biden administration, we will work diligently with colleagues like KRISTI NOEM to address government overreach. We must protect those who embody the American way of life,” she affirmed.
Former Attorney General PAM BONDI also weighed in, criticizing the previous administration’s approach. “The misguided agenda of the prior administration must be reversed to make America safe again. Our focus is on prosecuting real criminals and dismantling weaponization,” she stated.
A spokesperson for President Biden did not respond to requests for comment.
**[Watch the Full Press Conference Here](https://example.com)**
**[Read the USDA Statement Here](https://example.com)**
*Source: Tri-State Livestock News*