In a troubling instance of potential government overreach, two Pennsylvania farmers have found themselves at the mercy of the legal system. Ethan Wentworth of Airville, York County, and Rusty Herr of Christiana, Lancaster County are currently serving 30-day jail sentences without a sentencing hearing or option for bail due to contempt charges.
Contempt Charges and Legal Procedures
Authorities claim that such procedures are standard for contempt charges. However, this has raised questions about how essential workers in agriculture are being treated. WND.com first reported on this issue, which has since sparked significant public outcry.
The Conflict with NoBull Solutions
The farmers were involved in a dispute with the government over their company, NoBull Solutions, which assists dairy farmers with cattle reproductive management. This service is vital for many in the agricultural community. Further details were covered by WPMT in Harrisburg.
Allegations of Unlicensed Veterinary Practice
The legal trouble began when Wentworth and Herr were accused of practicing veterinary medicine without a license by conducting ultrasound tests on cattle—a common procedure among farmers. The state of Pennsylvania initiated an investigation and demanded records from the farmers.
Non-compliance and Arrests
When the farmers did not comply with these demands, they were issued contempt orders. According to state court officials, there is no provision for bail or a sentencing hearing for contempt charges. As a result, arrest warrants were signed and executed for both men.
Legal Defense and Due Process Concerns
Their lawyer, Robert Barnes, has criticized the process:
‘This is an unlawful civil contempt order…Even if they had been followed, the maximum allowable punishment is 15 days in jail which must be conditional…None of that is true in this case.’
‘The state claims this is a punishment for not complying with a subpoena to turn over documents…Both men had sought the advice of an attorney regarding the case and had been told that the Veterinary Medical Board had no jurisdiction over them…’
‘There is no evidence that Ethan or Rusty ever saw the order…It was a complete shock to them and to their families when they were arrested.’
Sealed Docket and Emergency Motion
Barnes also revealed that his clients were denied access to their case because ‘the state had the docket sealed and hidden – a highly unusual move.’ He added: ‘It gives the appearance that the intent was to secretly establish an excuse to arrest them and shut down NoBull Solutions without due process.’
Barnes is currently pursuing an emergency motion to reverse their imprisonment order. This situation raises important questions about justice and due process in our legal system.
Source: The Gateway Pundit