Rancher Cliven Bundy’s son released from jail

One of rancher Cliven Bundy’s sons was released from jail Thursday and ordered to undergo an intensive outpatient drug program.

Bundy’s 34-year-old son, also named Cliven Lance Bundy, was arrested earlier this month for criminal contempt and parole violations, according to Las Vegas police.

An arrest warrant was issued July 8 after the younger Bundy didn’t appear before District Judge Linda Bell, who supervises a drug diversion program.

On that day, Bundy was undergoing hip surgery, his father told reporters after Thursday’s hearing.

Bell set another hearing in the case for August 26.

Meanwhile, the younger Bundy will have to report to an intensive drug treatment facility in Las Vegas, according to his lawyer Jeff Rue, with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office.

In February 2013, Bundy pleaded guilty to felony burglary and weapon theft charges. The case stemmed from the younger Bundy stealing checks from his father, according to the rancher.

The younger Bundy, one of the rancher’s seven sons and seven daughters, was not part of the armed protest against federal agents in a cattle roundup dispute earlier this year, his father said.

Since his conviction, Bundy had been attending counseling for an addiction to opiate pain killers, according to his father, who appeared in court for the hearing.

“I want this boy to get out and start progressing in life,” said the elder Bundy, wearing a white button-down shirt emblazoned with the words “We the People,” red stripes, blue eagles and blue soldiers. “I hope he does good. He better do good.”

Contact reporter David Ferrara at dferrara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039. Find him on Twitter: @randompoker.