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Arizona man faces federal charge for involvement in Oregon standoff

Published February 2, 2016 5:43pm MST

Nicole Garcia's Reports

FOX 10 Phoenix

PHOENIX (AP) -- An Arizona man arrested in the occupation of the Oregon wildlife refuge remains in federal custody after a judge held off ruling on prosecutors' request to keep him detained as he awaits trial.

Jon Eric Ritzheimer of Peoria, Arizona, was a vocal presence in the occupation in Oregon before leaving to visit his family on Jan. 25. The FBI arrested him the next day in Arizona.

Ten others also have been arrested in the standoff that began Jan. 2 when an armed group opposed to federal land policy took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Ritzheimer faces a federal felony charge in Oregon of conspiracy to impede federal officials in their official duties through the use of force, intimidation or threats.

Prosecutors said Tuesday that Ritzheimer's repeated rejection of federal authority makes him a flight risk and unsuitable for court-ordered supervision.