DxE Co-founder Ordered to Pay $191,704 In Restitution as a Result of Felony Conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Trespass and Trespassing at Sonoma County Farms

Wayne Hsiung, a 42-year-old California state bar licensed attorney from San Francisco, was ordered on November 21st of this year by the Honorable Judge Laura Passaglia to pay Sonoma County’s Sunrise Farms $87,195, and Weber Family Farms $104,509 in restitution after having been convicted by a Sonoma County jury of felony charges of conspiracy to trespass and trespass in 2023. 

The convictions resulted from incursions onto the Sonoma County farms by Hsiung and Direct Action Everywhere (“DxE”) in 2018 and 2019. 

District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated, “After a lengthy trial, twelve Sonoma County jurors found Mr. Hsiung guilty of conspiring to trespass and actually trespassing onto multiple Sonoma County farms. His and his co-conspirators’ efforts caused significant financial harm to the victims above and beyond the theft of a few animals. The restitution ordered by the judge underscores the significant financial harm caused by these illegal activities, and the real cost to Sonoma County businesses.” 

On May 29, 2018, Hsiung and hundreds of activists from DxE assembled in the area of Sunrise Farms in Petaluma, Sonoma County. Hsiung, directly and through others, entered onto the farm, refused to leave, entered structures on the farm, and removed chickens. Hsiung and others effectively shut down the farm operations for hours. 

On June 3, 2019, Hsiung, and hundreds of activists from DxE, assembled in the area of Reichardt Duck Farm in Petaluma, Sonoma County. Hsiung and DxE entered onto the farm, refused to leave, chained themselves to various fixtures, entered structures, removed ducks, and damaged a processing plant conveyor belt. Hsiung, once again, effectively shut down the farm operations for hours. 

Following Hsuing’s conviction and sentencing, the Court commenced a sentencing hearing in July and August of 2025 where testimony was presented by the victim business owners, as well as from defense expert Jon Haveman, Phd. In its November 21, 2025 order, the Court noted, “…[it] found Dr. Haveman’s testimony to be neither relevant nor compelling.” The court additionally noted, “Though simple trespass appears minor in the grand scheme, in this particular case the fervor and singular focus with which the defendant and his co-participants targeted Sunrise Farms to promote their personal agenda, the trespass had far more impact than that which might be implied by the crime of trespass standing alone.” 

The restitution hearing was handled by Deputy District Attorney Jessalee Mills on behalf of the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. 

Contact Information