Emergency Call For Funding A Big Mountain Residents Court Case
On March 27, 2002 Tom Bedoni was arrested at his home on Big Mountain, AZ. Tom only has until April 11th to pay for a retainers fee to his lawyer. A retainer fee of $750.00 and a total of $2,000.00 is needed for this case. There is no other assistance available. Harassment has continually escalated since Big Mountain resident Arrick Crittenden's conviction on March 26, 2002. The level of harassment has gotten so bad that people are afraid to engage in their daily routine.
Summary of what happened
on March 28, 2002:
Tom was driving home, when a Ranger working for the Hopi Tribe began to follow
him . Tom was close to his house so he pulled into his driveway and parked the
truck in front of the hogan. The Ranger jumped out of his truck, acting disorderly,
and pointed his gun directly at Tom. Leta, Tom's sister, saw the gun pointed
at her brother and decided to peacefully intervene. In the process, Leta was
handcuffed and pepper sprayed. Tom was then pepper sprayed as well. A guest
and supporter that is staying at their place, then informed the ranger that
she had a camera and was documenting the abuse. The threat of documentation,
stopped the Ranger from further abusing Tom and Leta. The Hopi Ranger, then
took Tom into custody. Tom Bedoni was arraigned and released on his own recognizance
the following day. His pretrial hearing is on June 18, 2002. Leta O'Daniel was
not charged, but did suffer emotionally and physically from the attack. The
initial reason that Tom was stopped by the Hopi Ranger, was for allegedly speeding.
On that dirt roads, there are NO posted speed limits, ANYWHERE.
Tom Bedoni's charges are
from a Hopi Tribal Ranger. The charges are as follows:
1. Civil Violation: Speed Greater than Reasonable and Prudent
2. Criminal Violation: Unlawful Flight from Pursuing Law Enforcement Vehicle
3. Criminal Violation: Reckless Driving
4. Criminal Violation: Fail to Stop on Peace Officer Command
5. Criminal Violation: No Valid Driver License
Tom is asking for your support and families are also asking for supporters to
come and stay with them as caretakers and human rights observers.
Tom Bedoni is also willing to do lectures and presentations about the Black Mesa/Big Mountain issue and about Navajo/Dine' culture in an effort to raise money for his legal fees.