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An Oregon judge ruled Monday that a 15-year-old Washington state boy must pay nearly $37 million for starting a major wildfire in the scenic Columbia River Gorge this past September.
Hood River County Circuit Judge John A. Olson wrote in his order that the restitution figure of $36,618,330.24 "is clearly proportionate to the offense because it does not exceed the financial damages caused by the youth," The Oregonian reported. The amount is meant to cover the costs of firefighting, repair and restoration to the gorge and damage to homes.
Olson added that payments could be halted after 10 years as long as the teen complies, finishes probation and doesn't commit other crimes. State law allows the Oregon Department of Revenue to garnishee the teen's bank accounts or paychecks. If he's due refunds on his tax returns, the state could take those. If he wins the lottery, the state also could collect all of his winnings.
Q. How likely is it that the 15-year-old boy will be ordered to pay for the damage he allegedly caused?
A. Very likely, given Oregon's history of pursuing people who have started wildfires. Over the years, the state has sought payback from hundreds of people who negligently started fires and has won million-dollar judgments in some cases, said Jeff Bonebrake, cost recovery coordinator for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Among those cases: Five men who were ordered to pay more than $17,000 after they ignited explosives during a round of target shooting, causing a 38-acre wildfire east of Bend in 2012.
An eastern Oregon rancher who investigators say drove across tinder-dry grass, sparking what grew to be a 2,700-acre wildfire in Grant County in 2014. John Lee Habberstad was ordered to pay more than $3.6 million for fire suppression costs. His insurance ended up settling the case for about $1 million.
A husband, wife and their adult daughter was ordered to pay $892,000 for the costs of putting out a fire started after authorities say they ignored a campfire ban during extremely dry conditions in Klamath County in summer 2014. Two of them went to the store while the other one, who was supposed to watching the fire, took a nap and the fire spread out of control, investigators say.
Q. Could the suspect in the 33,000-acre Eagle Creek fire be on the hook for making lifetime payments even though he's just a minor? A. Yes. Case-in-point: A 16-year-old boy who in July 2008 set off a 1.6-acre wildfire in rural Lane County after he shot fireworks out of a moving car. Skyler Adair was ordered to pay about $14,000 of the state's costs. As of last year, the 23-year-old had paid $220 toward the bill.
originally posted by: hopenotfeariswhatweneed
a reply to: EternalSolace
That's dumb, where's he going to get that money from, that judge is an idiot.
originally posted by: NarcolepticBuddha
a reply to: EternalSolace
I agree with the judge. One simple mistake cost a lot of friggin damage, manpower, and money.
Kids need to think twice about their dumb sheet and it doesn't get slammed home if there's no consequences.
And it's not his whole life. There will be reprieve if he avoids doing more dumb sheet. Bravo, judge!
originally posted by: NarcolepticBuddha
originally posted by: hopenotfeariswhatweneed
a reply to: EternalSolace
That's dumb, where's he going to get that money from, that judge is an idiot.
They don't expect it all to be paid, silly. They're just going to garnish his wages. There goes his fireworks allowance wah wah boo hoo
Olson added that payments could be halted after 10 years as long as the teen complies, finishes probation and doesn't commit other crimes. State law allows the Oregon Department of Revenue to garnishee the teen's bank accounts or paychecks. If he's due refunds on his tax returns, the state could take those. If he wins the lottery, the state also could collect all of his winnings.
originally posted by: Ghostsinthefog
Thats really kinda of sad. To end a boys life before it started.
originally posted by: TheLotLizard
If you’re stupid enough to use fireworks in the forest. Especially stupid enough to throw fireworks out of a vehicle in the forest you deserve to get the book thrown at you.
So yes a juvenile is 100% responsible for his actions and should be held accountable for every single penny. But In reality he will pay likely around $3000 which is bull#.
Olson added that payments could be halted after 10 years as long as the teen complies, finishes probation and doesn't commit other crimes. State law allows the Oregon Department of Revenue to garnishee the teen's bank accounts or paychecks. If he's due refunds on his tax returns, the state could take those. If he wins the lottery, the state also could collect all of his winnings.
All the little s##t has to to is not get a job for 10 years and he doesn’t have to spend a single p
originally posted by: Ghostsinthefog
Thats really kinda of sad. To end a boys life before it started.
originally posted by: EternalSolace
originally posted by: TheLotLizard
If you’re stupid enough to use fireworks in the forest. Especially stupid enough to throw fireworks out of a vehicle in the forest you deserve to get the book thrown at you.
So yes a juvenile is 100% responsible for his actions and should be held accountable for every single penny. But In reality he will pay likely around $3000 which is bull#.
Olson added that payments could be halted after 10 years as long as the teen complies, finishes probation and doesn't commit other crimes. State law allows the Oregon Department of Revenue to garnishee the teen's bank accounts or paychecks. If he's due refunds on his tax returns, the state could take those. If he wins the lottery, the state also could collect all of his winnings.
All the little s##t has to to is not get a job for 10 years and he doesn’t have to spend a single p
Not get a job until he's 25... did you even read what you wrote? Yeah...
originally posted by: TheLotLizard
originally posted by: Ghostsinthefog
Thats really kinda of sad. To end a boys life before it started.
If a kid goes on a murder spree should he be coddled because he’s 15 years old and doesn’t know any better?
He’s lucky no one was killed. I would have said charge him with murder.
originally posted by: TheLotLizard
originally posted by: EternalSolace
originally posted by: TheLotLizard
If you’re stupid enough to use fireworks in the forest. Especially stupid enough to throw fireworks out of a vehicle in the forest you deserve to get the book thrown at you.
So yes a juvenile is 100% responsible for his actions and should be held accountable for every single penny. But In reality he will pay likely around $3000 which is bull#.
Olson added that payments could be halted after 10 years as long as the teen complies, finishes probation and doesn't commit other crimes. State law allows the Oregon Department of Revenue to garnishee the teen's bank accounts or paychecks. If he's due refunds on his tax returns, the state could take those. If he wins the lottery, the state also could collect all of his winnings.
All the little s##t has to to is not get a job for 10 years and he doesn’t have to spend a single p
Not get a job until he's 25... did you even read what you wrote? Yeah...
I know hundreds of people without jobs that are over 25. Your point?
originally posted by: EternalSolace
originally posted by: TheLotLizard
originally posted by: Ghostsinthefog
Thats really kinda of sad. To end a boys life before it started.
If a kid goes on a murder spree should he be coddled because he’s 15 years old and doesn’t know any better?
He’s lucky no one was killed. I would have said charge him with murder.
Homicide is equivalent to accident.... better watch yourself. You may accidentally commit capital murder next time you toss a cigarette out the window.