Men apologize for shooting up town to intimidate Klamath Tribes

Three men stood in court on Tuesday as their attorney read their apology for firing shots and shouting racial slurs in the hometown of the Klamath Tribes last year.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) -- Three men stood in court on Tuesday as their attorney read their apology for firing shots and shouting racial slurs in the hometown of the Klamath Tribes last year.

Their actions in the town of Chiloquin last December came at a time when
racial tensions were strained over water being withheld from farmers to
protect fish held sacred by the Indians.

Klamath County Circuit Judge Roger Isaacson went even further than the text
of the apology, denouncing the Bonanza men as racists, symptomatic of a
deeper racial problem in the Klamath Basin.

"The same might be said of white guys in the 1950s who put sheets on and
intimidated black people," the judge said. "Your actions aren't any
different than what they did."

George Curry, 23, a ranch hand; Richard Sharp, 26, a logger; and Adam Lee,
27, occupation unknown, each pleaded guilty last July to felony charges of
conspiracy to commit criminal intimidation, unlawful use of a weapon, and
misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

In a sentence worked out between the tribes and the district attorney's
office, the judge ordered the men to serve 30 days in jail plus three years
on probation, do 30 days of community service work in Chiloquin, and pay a
$1,000 fine, plus $464 in fees, and restitution of $239 for damaged
property. They must also attend classes given by the tribes on their
history, culture and goals for the future and stay away from firearms and
alcohol.

"If you guys get together in any way that violates probation, I'll send you
to prison," Isaacson warned. "You've had your chance. You won't get any
more from me."

The men did not say anything in court other than to acknowledge that they
agreed with the contents of the letter, which had been approved by defense
and prosecution attorneys. They refused to comment after court.

"We ask for the forgiveness of the people of Chiloquin and the Klamath
Tribe for our actions," the letter said. "Although it is difficult to
admit, we realize that our actions were motivated to a large extent by a
racial bias toward members of the Klamath Tribe."

Authorities said the men were drinking while goose hunting last December
when a snowstorm led them to decide to take their guns to Chiloquin, the
site of an ancient fishing village for the Klamath people as well as a new
tribal administration building for the Klamath Tribes.

The men drove around shouting racial slurs, accusing the tribes of stealing
their water, and firing their shotguns at signs and an outhouse. They
harassed teenage boys on a school bus heading for a basketball game,
singling out tribal members and calling them "stupid Indians." They also
called out, "Sucker lovers, come on out and fight."

The taunt was a reference to two endangered fish held sacred by the tribes.
During the 2001 drought, water was withheld from farmers to assure the fish
would survive.

Tribal Vice Chairman Joe Hobbs said he was satisfied with the sentence, and
hoped it would lead to a new era of racial tolerance in the Klamath Basin.

"I sure did appreciate the things Judge Isaacson said," Hobbs said. "I hope
this will lead to quelling some of this prejudicial feeling in the community, on both sides."