A federal Bureau of Land Management officer now faces second-degree murder charges after using a deadly chokehold on a civilian during a Wyoming bar fight, marking a rare case of federal law enforcement being held accountable for lethal force used off-duty.
Story Highlights
- BLM officer Richard “Deak” Dollard applied fatal 26-30 second chokehold on Evan Denevan during January 9 bar brawl
- Video evidence shows Dollard and family members left victim without aid after he went limp
- All three Dollard family members face murder or manslaughter charges in coordinated attack
- Case highlights federal agents escaping consequences despite chokehold restrictions in many agencies
Federal Officer Uses Deadly Force in Civilian Altercation
Richard “Deak” Dollard, a 53-year-old U.S. Bureau of Land Management field officer, applied a rear naked chokehold for 26-30 seconds on Evan Denevan during a bar fight at Maverick Restaurant Lounge in Lander, Wyoming on January 9, 2026. Video evidence captured Dollard’s brother Justin pulling Denevan’s hood while the federal officer maintained the deadly restraint, with Justin later kicking the victim. The altercation began when Dollard’s nephew Jesse pointed at Denevan, escalating into punches after Denevan challenged the gesture.
The coordinated family attack demonstrates a disturbing pattern of federal law enforcement officers believing they operate above civilian law. After Denevan fell limp from the chokehold, all three Dollard family members returned to their side of the bar without rendering aid, leaving bystanders to attempt CPR on the dying man. First responders found no pulse and pronounced Denevan dead at the scene, highlighting the lethal consequences of unchecked federal authority.
BLM law enforcement officer Richard "Deak" Dollard faces second-degree murder charges for the death of Lander resident Evan Denevan.
Lander police also arrested his brother, Justin Dollard, and nephew, Jesse Dollard, in connection with the fatal fight. https://t.co/byMhpnRlBI
— WyoFile (@WyoFile) January 14, 2026
Justice System Holds Federal Agent Accountable
Fremont County prosecutors charged Richard Dollard with second-degree murder, while his brother Justin and nephew Jesse face accessory charges for their roles in the deadly assault. The comprehensive investigation by Lander Police Department, Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, and Fremont County Attorney’s Office demonstrates that federal employment provides no immunity from state murder charges. This aggressive prosecution signals a welcome departure from the typical protection federal agents receive for their misconduct.
Detective affidavits reveal consistent witness testimony stating “Deak choked him,” with video evidence contradicting family claims that Dollard used de-escalation training. The 26-27 second chokehold, combined with the opposite pulling force from Justin, created lethal conditions that any trained officer should recognize as potentially fatal. Despite invoking his right to counsel, Richard Dollard cannot escape the clear video evidence of his deadly actions.
Pattern of Federal Agent Impunity Continues
This case exposes the broader problem of federal agents using prohibited techniques without consequences, mirroring ICE and DHS violations where chokeholds are banned but agents continue using them with impunity. While many states have restricted or banned chokeholds following high-profile deaths like Eric Garner’s 2014 NYPD killing, federal agencies often ignore their own policies. The Wyoming case represents a rare instance where state prosecutors refuse to defer to federal authority in holding a government agent accountable for civilian death.
The Dollard family’s defense that Richard was trying to de-escalate the situation rings hollow when examining the evidence of prolonged deadly force followed by abandonment of the victim. This case should serve as a warning to federal agents that their badges don’t grant them license to kill civilians, though unfortunately such accountability remains the exception rather than the rule in American law enforcement.
Sources:
Federal Officer Charged With Murder After ‘Naked Chokehold’ During Restaurant Brawl Left Man Dead
BLM Officer Charged With Murder In Lander Fight
Federal Officer Charged With Killing Man in Chokehold During Bar Fight
Police Chokehold Legal Information
