Saturday, April 30, 2016

PELTIER: ANOTHER FELONY?

To all: Peltier Supporters and Detractors[i]

Re: A shill, PayPal, Celebrity Money and Lawyers.

Everyone is encouraged to carefully review Peltier’s April 9th  “For Freedom’s Sake,” press release where Peltier and the International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (ILPDC), in a desperate last ditch bid for clemency, makes public admissions that not only validate Peltier’s infamous history but once again places him in violation of the law.[ii]

Peltier’s statements to send him more money, for so-called political action, and once again violating IRS regulations and laws shows how distressed and fractured Peltier and the ILPDC have become as they face the hopeless and final chapter of this pathetic saga.

It is important to note that the press release was sent by Co-Directors,
PETER CLARK and KARI ANN BOUSHEE. [iii]

Money Laundering 101; Peltier style:

Kudos to Peltier because this is the first time he actually identifies some of the donations he’s been scamming from the unsuspecting for decades.[iv] $3,000 for card handouts, $5,000 for postcards, an unidentified amount for “other strategies” and still owing $30K for attorney’s fees along with a claim of their overhead of 8%, “the lowest it’s been for a long while.”

Notice the artfully crafted words, lowest…long while, because the truth is that Peltier has not proven to anyone that the overhead may have been up to 100% or where and to whom those funds have really gone over the years. It remains Peltier’s dirty little secret.

And are we making this up? Not at all.

In 2003 one Committee leader called for “Transparency regarding accounting and decisions will be posted on the web.” Of course, that never happened and as we’ve seen over the years those many Committee members who have become disenfranchised with Peltier’s petty personality and bullying and who speak out for some semblance of honesty are shunned and cast aside.[v]

But to bring the issue into focus, during this same period there was an exchange posted on the Internet for all to witness Peltier’s slow-speed train wreck;

It is very troubling that she (Ms. McCarthy) is suggesting that Leonard himself is directing a Non Profit organization while still incarcerated. This is potentially a legal problem for Leonard and the LPDC.” [vi]

Yes, excellent observations, legal problems for Peltier and the Committee, and it continues. Peltier, still up to the same dirty tricks.

Have any Peltierites ever wondered why for many years Peltier claimed donations were “tax deductable” and then all of a sudden that was dropped from the Peltier lexicon. Why? Because, they weren’t tax-deductible and letters of complaint to the IRS put an end to it, at least for a while. Was it that the IRS did have a legal issue with Peltier’s fund-raising methods? If they did Peltier never admitted this to all those who believed they were providing legitimate tax-deductible donations.

More history:  Peltier had solicited, while claiming tax-deductible donations, that their 501(c)3 was “pending.” Well, if it was “pending,” he didn’t have it to claim. But then went on to advertise that tax-deductible checks be sent to “Global Exchange” claiming that this organization was their “501(c)3 sponsor.” There was no such legal entity (a sponsor) and apparently the IRS had issues with that (to what extent is not known, fines perhaps?), but the tax-deductible claims went away, for a while at least.

Approaching 2013 Peltier tried another failed ploy through Wind Chases the Sun, Inc., DePere, Wisconsin, run by Dorothy Ninham. That too died perhaps due to IRS involvement in the donations-dodge scheme. [vii]

And here we are again, 2016, slithering into the final stretch, begging for clemency and money while publically advertising and lying to everyone, including the President of the United States (whose sympathies he frantically seeks), the Attorney General and USDOJ Pardon Attorney, that funds can now be sent to Peltier:

Donate online at http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/home/donate/ or send your check or money order made payable to the ILPDC to our receiving and distribution office: P.O. Box 24, Hillsboro, OR 97123. The ILPDC headquarters and program office is located in Albuquerque, NM, where our finances are managed by the Indigenous Rights Center, a 501(c)(3) organization and fiscal sponsor. Your donation may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. (Emphasis added)

Tactics sound familiar, and maybe even legitimate, or just dubious and convoluted?

The smoking gun…

--Should it come as any surprise that Indigenous Rights Center corporate filings lists as Directors; Delaney Bruce (long time Peltier supporter), Peter Clark and Karri A. Boushee (Co-Directors of the ILPDC, mentioned above) and Chauncey Peltier (Peltier’s son)?[viii]

--It’s important to note that the heading of the Press Release clearly lists the International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, and more critically at the bottom is the following:

©2016 ILPDC/Indigenous Rights Center LLC, 202 Harvard SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

So here Peltier is providing the very proof that he is again attempting to circumvent IRS laws and regulations and making it so blatantly obvious that it doesn’t take any investigation to uncover the fraudulent disguise behind this latest effort to scam funds and hide what’s really happening.

To make this exceptionally clear even to the most diehard Peltierites (including celebrities), the law is very simple and straightforward:

It remains that Peltier cannot be a 501(c)3 because it is illegal if those funds “are…for the benefit of private interests, such as the creator (Peltier) or the creator’s family (Chauncey Peltier)…” and, that “no part of the net earning of a 501(c)3 organization may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. A private shareholder or individual is a person having a personal and private interest in the activities of the organization.” [ix]

In other words, filtering money through the Indigenous Rights Center, to a convicted felon for political purposes “to influence clemency decisions” goes beyond mere suspicion or speculation that Peltier is deliberately trying to circumvent the law.

--How are donor's checks, made out to the ILPDC as Peltier requests and sent to Hillsboro, Oregon, processed, deposited or handled by the Indigenous Rights Center in Albuquerque, without violating the law?

If just one dollar ($1) is funneled through the Indigenous Rights Center for the benefit of one private individual, e.g. Leonard Peltier, for his use, benefit or advantage (“inure”) (or to that of his family), then the I.R.S. would have some serious issues with that. And if it’s more than one dollar, lets suggest into the thousands, like for attorney’s fees that could be encroaching on felony territory.

In the real world, funneling money, trying to disguise its true source and nature, through a third-party shill, is the essence of money laundering and is illegal.[x]

Updated letters of complaint will be sent to the E.O. Examinations offices of the Internal Revenue Service covering Hillsboro, Oregon and Albuquerque, New Mexico pointing out this obvious violation of the law.

PayPal:

In 2004  the NPPA was successful in having Peltier/LPDC removed from PayPal.[xi]

Peltier was violating PayPal’s Acceptable Use policy; 1(f) …financial exploitation of a crime.[xii]  

Peltier changed the Committee name and location and slipped back into the PayPal system.

Perhaps it’s time to write another letter of complaint to PayPal for Peltier’s continuing violation of their Acceptable Use Policy. (Perhaps also, some research into Son of Sam laws would be in order as well.)

Celebrity Donations:

In an obvious reference to the No Parole Peltier Association (celebrating its sixteenth anniversary on April 30th) Peltier claims:

“There’s a myth about the ILPDC being wealthy. You’ve heard the gossip and false claims of Leonard’s detractors. The Committee is not now and has never been wealthy and, contrary to what some believe, celebrity supporters don’t generally donate to the ILPDC.”

Interesting choice of words: “Myth” (used in its proper context, and a focus of the NPPA for nearly a decade and a half to “Destroying the myth and folklore surrounding Leonard Peltier”), and “generally.” “Generally” being the Peltier way to parse and shade the deeper meaning.

The NPPA never claimed Peltier or the ILPDC (or the former LPDC, LPDOC) were “wealthy,” only that there was never any accounting of exactly how much Peltier has fleeced from supporters, but more importantly where any of that money has gone. At least with this latest release we can account for $8,000 and maybe $30K owed to an attorney.

Looking back there is a detailed history of Peltier bragging about his celebrity supporters, and certainly if they buy into the Peltier Myth, they probably pay into his support as well, even if it’s in the guise of overpaying for marginally acceptable Peltier artwork (albeit that one person’s art is another’s garage sale item). Former first-daughter Chelsea Clinton has a Peltier painting and let’s never forget who Peltier bragged owned a Peltier painting or two and had actually overtly advertised his artwork for sale, Jane Fonda.[xiii]     

And then, aside from the “501(c)3 as a sponsor” front there’s the money that comes in from sources that may have never been acknowledged, or perhaps even reported to the IRS by Peltier and his Committee. Like that 2011 NYC fundraiser concert for example.

In 2007 Peltier had a “buy a stone” website fundraiser that wasn’t all that successful (about $12,000 in two years; what happened to those funds?), but on November 14, 2006 in an email to the NPPA from a European supporter, Elsie Herten, there was this startling admission;

"See, most people just bought one or two stones, because the names on the list were more important than donating money through that website "thingie". The real donations were sent to the LPDC bank account instead. For example: I donated half the donations we received. Vivienne Westwood just sent a huge donation (to the bank account)."

Real and huge donationsto the bank—just doesn’t smell right, does it? [xiv]
But it does provide evidence enabling the fundraising scam.

Even on Peltier’s home page today he brags about support from the likes of Peter Coyote, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Harry Belafonte and Jackson Brown. Certainly these Hollywood fat cats wouldn’t be considered cheapskates and not also put their money where their mouths are and fork over some cash, or perhaps a lot of cash, buying paintings and such.

There’s a little more history when it comes to Peltier support, financial and otherwise.

Remember Peltier’s escape from Pine Ridge after the brutal murder of Agents’ Coler and Williams when he was pulled over in a motor home by an Oregon State Trooper? (Let’s not forget that found under the front seat where Peltier sat was a paper bag containing Agent Coler’s service revolver and on the bag, Peltier’s thumbprint: Direct evidence connecting him to the scene of the crimes at Jumping Bull.) The motor home was registered to none other than Hollywood actor Marlon Brando. Little coincidence that Peltier’s (and AIM’s) financial support has deep roots with the Hollywood crowd.[xv]

Remember the armed escape from Lompoc Penitentiary?

Would it be interesting to note that Max Gail, Hal Linden, Danny DeVito, Buffy Ste. Marie and David Soul were seen at Peltier’s trial and that others over the years have voiced their support: David Geffen[xvi], Danny Glover, Melanie Griffith, Whoopie Goldberg, Jesse Jackson, Jude Law, Madonna, Michael Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Redford (and his film, Incident at Oglala[xvii]), Tim Robbins, Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Gloria Steinem, Oliver Stone, Barbara Streisand, Sting, Bono and Cher.[xviii]

Wouldn’t it also be relevant that “One fan in particular tried to create a diversion during Peltier’s prison break by showing up late to give a motivational speech, Max Gail, the (marginal) actor best known for his role as the lovable doofus “Wojohowicz” in the sit com Barney Miller.” [xix]

But it goes deeper than that. According to Peltier co-conspirator Dino Butler and the decades long lie of Mr. X and the infamous red pickup truck, that this false alibi was hatched by Bob Robideau while at the home of Max Gail.[xx]

This is the reality of Peltier’s dirty little secret when it comes to fundraising, alleged charitable activities and celebrity supporters. [xxi]

Attorney’s fees:

According to the federal court of appeals, “Peltier was well-represented at trial and on appeal,”[xxii] meaning that he had some good attorneys (Bruce Ellison notwithstanding [xxiii]) fighting for him, all paid for in the beginning by the largesse of the American taxpayers.

Later attorneys represented Peltier because they believed in him or his cause, many years working pro bono with some expending significant amounts of money and legal time and talent (attorneys Michael Kuzma and Barry Bacharach being among the most notable).[xxiv]

Peltier now claims “Attorney fees are still owed (roughly $30K)” for a clemency application; a six page form that Peltier could fill out with a crayon.[xxv]  So what’s the $30K, or more, actually for? Perhaps an effort to buy favor in Washington D.C., as Peltier said, “to influence a clemency decision.” That would be a typical Peltier ploy but the reality is that the Pardon Attorney, Attorney General and the President are fully aware of the facts of Peltier’s conviction and appeals.

Peltier tells us that “travel” expenses are high, as it was in 2015 and also includes “trips to Coleman, Florida, for meetings with Leonard.” Meetings with Leonard, really? To what benefit; hold his hand; make him feel important, help the time pass with occasional visitors (some of whom are there with billable hours)? Is that necessary? Any competent attorney has full access to the record of Peltier’s conviction and appeals, none of which Peltier can change or validate. The records have been there for decades and even available on the NPPA website.[xxvi]

What would be the likelihood of Peltier actually paying the attorney $30K? With all the whining about money (which will always remain the dirty little secret) and if the attorney isn’t paid for the six page form (no doubt including attachments), perhaps the attorney can use that lost revenue as a tax write-off.

Regardless, it would be more than interesting, compelling really, to see what Peltier’s attorney submitted. Certainly it did not contain the four decades of Peltier’s wholly discredited fabrications.

We would offer, challenge actually, to be able to review that application factually, which would doubtless reduce it to a pile of worthless paper.

            Mr. President, if Peltier’s clemency application should ever reach your desk, please consider it in relation to just two of Peltier’s many public statements regarding the unprovoked attack and brutal murders of two federal agents, “And Really, if necessary, I’d do it all over again because it was the right thing to do (2010),” and, “I don’t regret any of this for a minute (2014).”

Right thing. No Regrets. Leonard Peltier remains an unrepentant and remorseless murderer who, in the interest of justice, should serve the remainder of his consecutive life sentences.

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”
Ed Woods



[i] April 30, 2016: The No Parole Peltier Association  (NPPA), celebrates its 16th anniversary continuing its stated goals to honor the memory and sacrifice in the line of duty of FBI Agents Jack Coler and Ron Williams by providing the facts regarding June 26, 1975, dismantling the myth and folklore surrounding Leonard Peltier and exposing the public statements and contradictions of Peltier’s claims of innocence. Peltier is painfully aware that January 20, 2017, his last and only hope, is rapidly approaching and clemency, like parole, will vanish.
[iii] Peltier has made it clear in the past that any communications sent on his behalf from the Committee (LPDC, LPDOC, ILPDC, etc.) must first be approved by him, therefore Peltier is responsible for the content and information he places in the public domain, along with the directors of the Committee.
[iv] http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#fraud
[v] http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#free (See,  “It’s all about the money,” section)
[viii] It should be noted that the NPPA has never engaged, singled out or criticized anyone in Peltier’s family. This is not about family (except those of Agents’ Coler and Williams), and Betty Ann Peltier-Solano, Chauncey Peltier or any other family members are entitled to advance their efforts to free Peltier. It will remain as such unless family members engage in overt attacks on the NPPA. On 1/12/17 Chauncey Peltier, 42638 NW Cedar Canyon Road, Banks, Oregon 97106 registered a business, Peltier Justice for All, Inc. How PJAI develops, and its mission remains to be seen, and will be addressed as appropriate.
[ix] http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#concise (See Section #19 and related footnotes)
[x] Shill: An accomplice of a hawker, gambler, or swindler who acts as an enthusiastic customer to entice or encourage others, e.g., The Indigenous Rights Center, its founders and directors, at the behest of Leonard Peltier.
[xiii] Jane Fonda, aka Hanoi Jane remains an insult to every man and woman, past and present, who served this nation’s military and especially those who died to protect our freedoms and liberty. Fonda is a loathsome and disgusting individual. Further reference;
[xiv] http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#fraud (See Editorial Essay “Addendum”)
[xv] Peter Matthiessen, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse (New York: Penguin Books, 1991)  249
[xvi] Written nine years ago this Editorial Essay predicted where Peltier would be today in 2016 and how Hollywood mogul David Geffen, a former staunch Clinton supporter and fundraiser thought he had bought Peltier’s way out of prison.  To Geffen’s dismay it didn’t happen, resulting in Geffen publicly calling both Clintons’ liars.  http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#dances The denial of Peltier’s clemency by outgoing President Clinton led to the infamous public comment, “These politicians are such sleazebags that you just don’t know.” Wonder if Peltier would like to repeat that comment for President Obama? http://www.noparolepeltier.com/speak.html
[xvii] http://www.noparolepeltier.com/movie.html  Mr. X The Movie. Coincidentally, on April 30th my bride and I went out for lunch and a later dinner and in between went to the Cincinnati Museum Center to see the Omnimax film, National Parks Adventure and The Art of the Brick art show. I expected the film to be a an elaborate photographic experience exploring a number of America’s incredible natural wonders but from the opening credits was disappointed to see that the film was narrated by Robert Redford. So I had to listen to him, just like in Incident at Oglala and contemplate how Redford could still be so ignorant over the Peltier matter. The film had some spectacular footage but was a down-home trip of three adventurers and was lacking in specifics about the parks and didn’t cover nearly as much as expected. But then there was having to listen to Redford and wondering now that he knows he was taken-in by Peltier, blatantly lied to about the whole fabricated Mr. X and the red pickup alibi, that he was still dense enough and lacking the courage to admit he had backed a murderous, lying loser like Peltier.  But that’s Hollywood. http://wwwnoparolepeltiercom-justice.blogspot.com/2016/03/peltier-and-robert-redford-repost.html
The Art of the Brick, though, was incredible and well worth the price of admission. New York corporate attorney, Nathan Sawaya, turned LEGO artist, brings art to life in painting-like images and incredible 3-D, nearly life size creations, experiencing almost every facet of the human condition. Just an unsolicited recommendation, this is a must-see exhibit. Lunch was at a Cincinnati staple, Skyline Chili, a predominant attraction in the Queen City. Dinner was at arguably the best Italian restaurant in the tri-state, Scotti’s on 9th Street. A little hole-in-the-wall, like some of New York City’s best off beat eateries. This place, small, with walls lined with a mosaic of disjointed tile work and old family photos must be doing something right, since it’s been in the same family now for 104 years.
[xviii] Joseph Trimbach, American Indian Mafia (Denver: Outskirts Press, 2008), 430
[xix] Trimbach, 387 (The NPPA would argue that these celebrities either don’t have a clue about the facts, relying solely on the folklore, or they just don’t care about justice. Unless, of course, they become victims themselves, then it would be an entirely different story.)
[xx] Trimbach, 446: See further, Mr. X the Lie, http://www.noparolepeltier.com/lie.html
[xxiv] If Peltier paid for legal services there is at least one other attorney where he should demand a refund. Honolulu based attorney Eric Seitz, representing Peltier at the 2009 parole hearing, stated (excerpted from the following Editorial Essay link): "…they (the FBI and government) don't have any creativity, they don't come up with anything new. They don't have any greater ability to explain their justification for their position. It's a very wooden position, kill an FBI agent and live the rest of your life in prison. I don't think that's going to impress very many people who aren't already of the same opinion."  A brilliant legal opinion to say the least… http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#paroledenied