Comments on: Hoax A Crypto Video: Go To Jail

By: eireman

eireman — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:27:40 +0000

I don’t think they should throw the state penal code at him. However, since he did go to the trouble of wasting their time (although anyone even glancing at the picture could tell it was no cougar – unless they come in tabby), he should be fined. I think airforce47 pointed out the distinction: filing a false report. There is no statute for making false claims of spotting a cryptid. I doubt most lawmakers know what the word means. So, both those who legitimately believe they’ve captured something on video or in a still image and the hoaxers can rest easy knowing that as long as you don’t waste the precious time of state wildlife officials, you’re probably in good shape. But in this economy, with resources stretched thin, I doubt we can count on hearing too many reports, as in years past, of people spotting Bigfoot or what have you and then some law enforcement official comes out to investigate. At best, it’ll probably get a notation in the evening’s log. In a way, this is sad, because a great deal of reports earned their veracity from having been reasonably investigated by various law enforcement officials.

By: JMonkey

JMonkey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:14:11 +0000

I agree with Lord Balto. We need to realize that “censorship” is not the answer to solving cryptozoological mysteries. Now as far as this guy wasting government resources, and filing a false report, thats on him. He should not have gotten the government involved. But to say that all “hoaxes” perpetrators, whether rightfully accused or not should go to jail, well that is a little steep. Many haved claimed, including several governments, that the Patterson Gimlin film is a hoax. We certainly wouldn’t want the government deciding who is telling the truth and who is not. We would lose a lot of very, lets say colorful, people if we were to do that.

By: solitaryman

solitaryman — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:09:22 +0000

I will have to agree with Lord Balto, to a certain extent.

1. A crime punished by a year in jail is a *felony*. This is going to follow the guy his whole life. To classify this as a felony is a massive punishment in relation to the seriousness of the offense. Fines to discourage filing false reports? Good. Felony charges? Absurd.

2. In practice, merely charging someone with a felony is going to cost the accused a lot of money and time. Many people might just plead guilty, rather than contest it.

3. People would certainly l be discouraged from making anomalous reports. It makes no difference that the government has to ‘prove’ a hoax. Ask yourself this: if you saw something strange, are you going to report it, and risk being charged (even if you aren’t convicted) with a felony? Or would you just keep quiet?

By: wisaaka

wisaaka — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:49:45 +0000

LordBalto, in response, if the piece of media (in this case video) or story is proven to be without the shadow of a doubt to be a hoax, then I say throw the guy in jail if that is the law in that area state or country. However, if it isnt completely proven a hoax or if there is much doubt to the then alledged hoax, …then dont throw the guy in jail, its up to law enforcement to seperate the two, like in an extreme case where like this one, where laws have been broken in the pursuit of this (proven) hoax. This last thing might be censored by the people who run this site, but I think it needs to be said: I find far to many people grand-standing on these paranormal/outside the main stream sites, Im just here to discuss things and mabye have some fun and/or serious dialog with like-minded people. I dont like being talked at by or used as a prop for other peoples asserted (and false) egotisms or supposed intellectual (usually topical) superiority. [As in: "The only result of this will be that witnesses of anomalous phenomena will be even less willing to come forward.... ]

By: YowieLover

YowieLover — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:03:33 +0000

Some people are genuinely stupid and others are genuinely deceitful. I would like to see people who make up rubbish punished. It is far better to read crypto reports and know 100 percent are unusual occurrences than read them and know 10 percent could be genuine.

By: tropicalwolf

tropicalwolf — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:43:03 +0000

It’s about time!

These reports are a waste of money and time for those sent to investigate. The paid professionals (police, wildlife officers, etc) end up wasting time, money and effort, and the dedicated “true” researchers are out time they could have spent on something useful.

In response to LordBalto, the key is being able to PROVE it. Hundreds of false police reports are made and no one is charged. However, when you get someone who confesses or admits they lied (rare, but it happens) then they need to be prosecuted. Jail time, no. Money & fines, yes.

By: LordBalto

LordBalto — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:29:35 +0000

The problem with the knee-jerk reaction that this guy should be locked up is that it sets a really bad precedent. Think about it. Who decides what’s a hoax and what isn’t? The government? Are you kidding me? The only result of this will be that witnesses of anomalous phenomena will be even less willing to come forward. Might as well just shoot yourselves in the head, guys.

By: wisaaka

wisaaka — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:25:54 +0000

I hate hoaxes and hoaxers; it’s annoying and wastes my time. As for putting this jerk in jail, I say do it.

By: springheeledjack

springheeledjack — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 03:02:58 +0000

With the cost of law enforcement to check into some of these things, sure why not…it will help the crypto cause!

By: timi_hendrix

timi_hendrix — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:32:43 +0000

This is a good idea.

Maybe it will stop those who chose to discredit cryptozoology.

After all nobody likes a liar.