Hershberger Verdict In After Judge Orders Jury NOT to Vote With ConscienceHeather Callaghan Four criminal misdemeanor charges are aimed at Vernon Hershberger for providing fresh food to his community through a contractual agreement with members. Paraphrased by Derrick J Freemanthe crimes include: The judge looked at the jury and around 7 pm said:(you) must base your verdict on the law I give you. So the judge thinks he gives the law. Cant even put into words what an assassination of justice it is that a judge would even say that. Later the judge read instruction NOT to be swayed by conscience.Prosecution echoed Reynolds, probably fearing how they looked, and told the jury it is not about whether Vernon is a good man or not . . . also accusing Defense of mis-characterization of crimes saying: The words that matter here are the instructions on the law. Law comes from judge. (Source) That last count held the maximum penalty which now includes one year in jail and$10,000 in fines. This was a completely uphill battle for three years with a judge, State, and agents clearly going after him with bias even obfuscating truth to the jury. Food freedom advocates, including Vernon and his family, are hailing it as a victory. On three counts, the jury voted by conscience and it sets a precedent dealing with license requirements versus membership agreements. Do you wonder why Vernon cut the tape and continued distributing foods after the State destroyed them (including his familys personal food) and closed his pantry? First he went to jail on $500 bail and had to sign an agreement to stop. He obeyed. Then he thought about it and prayed. Something was impressed upon him that it would be wrong, and worse, to stop feeding his neighbors. So he acted on conscience and continued distributing plus his family was only left with a two-days supply of food and they were probably hungry! Everything happens for a reason. Reporting from David Gumpert: During that armed raid, agents stole his computer and personal files, but of course there is no punishment for that and no recompense. The judge declaredthat the armed raid and seizure of property is NOT of use of force.Its incredible that anything positive came from this kangaroo court case. Its upsetting to think they might extract jail time and exorbitant fines for daring to disobey a detrimental holding order. As more details emerge, including potential jail sentence, we will share accordingly. Popeye from FederalJack.com and I had an exciting discussion and we even had a surprise call in from food freedom warrior Liz Reitzig at Baraboo. Listen HERE. Vernon told Liz to tell us that you can support farm and food freedom best by supporting your local farm and co-op. That is also what todays March Against Monsanto is trying to inspire. Additional Sources: Background stories from most recent to earliest: Read Other Articles by Heather Callaghan 