Posted on 02/05/2003 2:02:05 PM PST by MeneMeneTekelUpharsin
LUFKIN, Texas (AP) - Two Texans were indicted Wednesday on federal charges they stole pieces of space shuttle Columbia that had dropped onto the countryside. Federal officials in Texas also declared an amnesty period extending until 5 p.m. Friday, during which people who have collected shuttle debris can turn it in without fear of being prosecuted. After that, prosecutions will resume, they said. Merrie Hipp, 43, of Henderson, was charged with theft of government property for allegedly stealing a shuttle circuit board on Saturday.
Bradley Justin Gaudet, 23, of Nacogdoches, was charged in a separate incident with stealing a piece of thermal insulating fabric. Gaudet is a student at Steven F. Austin State University. "The issue here is the thermodynamics of the space shuttle and any piece of that is important to this investigation," said U.S. Attorney Michael Shelby. "No one knows which piece will unravel the mystery." The charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Both defendants awaited arraignment Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities said they are conducting at least 17 investigations into reports of people taking shuttle debris as souvenirs. They would not give specifics or comment on whether those cases were related to attempts by people to sell purported shuttle debris on eBay. "These two individuals are first," Orwig said. "There is no particular threshold. They are an example, whether it's our intention or not. Authorities urged members of the public to take advantage of the amnesty period. "If you turn the piece over and describe where you found the piece, we will not prosecute you," Orwig said.
It takes more than a couple of mouthy kids to Pi@@ me off.
Thank you. Brilliant post and put far better than I did it. Again, thanks. I am NOT defending the action of the thieves, I only wish the government would pursue other far WORSE crimes with the same vengeance.
No, you've already served your time in Hell,...but you might qualify as a tour guide if you've been married twice. ;^)
Which has been our point throughout the thread.
Revolting cat! nailed it with that post.
"Oh mommy mommy, Please may I go It's such a sight to see, Somebody steal the show Oh daddy daddy, I beg of you Whisper to mommy, It's all right with you... and they'll be stealing debris Deep in the heart of Texas, and 'round the Frisco Bay All over St. Louis, Way Down in New Orleans...Cause they'll be rockin on the bandstand, In Philadelphia P.A. Deep in the heart of Texas, and 'round the Frisco Bay..."
Such as?
Are you going to tap dance next?
You're going off on the wrong person. I haven't touched a piece of the debris. Not anywhere near the debris. If I touched it, you wouldn't know it and neither would anyone else. Whether I would touch it or not is none of your business, I don't care WHO you are. You can take everything I own, you can kill me, I fundamentally don't care. I am fed up with the unequal prosecution of crime in this country and so far I still have a right to my opinion. If I want YOUR heavy-handedness, then I'd move to Mexico.
I am not defending those who picked up debris. Never have and never will. Don't include my name on any of YOUR posts about not touching anything. You've made a statement to the wrong person and don't do it again.
You know, stuff kind of like some of our former co-presidents were up to.
Isn't stealing shuttle debris "obstruction of justice"?
Did anyone else see what this 'kid' was wearing when he was hauled off?
(fatigues *with* an US Army insignia)
Good point - my mistake. I'll work up a coherent recap for you in the AM. We can discuss it then, if you like.
Okay, granted and I stand corrected. The hindrance of the investigation does affect other astronauts. I defer on that point.
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