Friday, January 05, 2007

Hmong Hunter Update: Felony Charges Dismissed

Yesterday concluded the legal actions that were raised Toua Lor, the Hmong man who was accused of pointing a gun at a property owner in late 2005. Toua accepted a plea bargain agreement in which the felony charges were dismissed in exchange for a "no contest" plea for a misdemeanor offense of disorderly conduct. Toua will refrain from hunting for a year and doing 25 hours of community service. They were tempted to fight to the end to be completely exonerated, but I think it was wise to accept the deal and put the matter to rest.

From what I know of the case, I think both the property owner and the hunter were acting in good faith, but had a terrible misunderstanding. A lengthy court trial would have been a painful way to resolve the matter.

Thus ends a case that was blown way out of proportion by hysteria from the 2004 Chai Vang murders.

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