FBI seal (Image: FBI)
Will a Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge winner be named on Aug. 11, and the $500,000 award presented? The answer to that question is likely to be key to an FBI decision to look into the matter, according to remarks today from Dave Joly, FBI Media Coordinator in Denver.
The Hoka Hey was a motorcycle endurance race that started in Key West, FL, on June 20 and ran to Homer, AK. According to Hoka Hey organizer Big Jim Redcloud, the winner will be announced and the prize handed over on Aug. 11 in Sturgis, SD, at the Broken Spoke Saloon.
Many critics of the event have claimed all along that no such award will ever be made, and that the whole thing is a scam. At least two civil suits have been filed in regard to the legitimacy of the event. As for possible criminal activity, however, Joly said that if a prize is paid to the apparent winner, "it does not seem to be fraud, at least on the surface."
On the other hand, Joly said, if no prize is awarded and entrants feel they have been victimized, "We would encourage them to go to their local law enforcement officials or their local FBI office" to pursue the matter.
"If the award money is not presented . . . that's what we're waiting for," said Joly. "We need to wait."
If no money is disbursed to the winner, he said, then the more people who believe they have been victimized who show up to file complaints, the more likely it will be that the FBI will initiate an investigation.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Homer Tribune reporter Sean Pearson, Redcloud attempted to clarify a few discrepancies in the various statements that have been made about the Hoka Hey.
He disclaimed any affiliation with Jon Compton, who claimed to bea Hoka Hey publicist. He also disclaimed affiliation with Alystar McKenneh, who had said the $500,000 prize had been donated by the Lakota Sioux. The Sioux themselves refuted that claim in a statement released on Monday.
As for Redcloud's statement that all top contenders would have to pass a polygraph test administered by the FBI, he was quoted by the Tribune saying, "'It’s to be administered by a former FBI agent,' Durham said. 'That’s another thing they screwed up. I said it was a retired FBI agent, not the FBI.'" However, Redcloud is heard clearly stating in an interview on KBBI radio that the FBI would be doing the polygraph testing, not "a retired FBI agent."
Related articles:
Hoka Hey Challenge launches from Key West, headed for Homer, Alaska
Quebec City's Robert Peterson sole(?) Canadian in Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge
Quick update on Hoka Hey; first day crashes
Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge generates controversy, skepticism
Friends and families connect in search for info about Hoka Hey riders
First Hoka Hey riders reach Homer; first to arrive not necessarily winner
Hoka Hey organizers call event successful, planning party
For most riders, Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was about the ride
No winner named for Hoka Hey on July 4
Redcloud says Hoka Hey winner will be named Aug. 11 in Sturgis
No Hoka Hey award ceremony to be held at Black Hills Harley-Davidson
FBI will have no involvement in determining Hoka Hey winner
Ogalala Sioux disavow connection with Hoka Hey
Hoka Hey award to winner key to potential fraud investigation -- FBI
William Barclay declared winner of Hoka Hey, to receive cash via wire
Hoka Hey award ceremony held at Broken Spoke at Sturgis rally
No money for charities from Hoka Hey
Comments
I'm just now reading that I am a crazy person and Jim Red Cloud does not know me. Interesting but Jim Red Cloud paid for my hotel rooms and flew my second camera man in for me. I used Jim Red Clouds credit card to fly in that tech. I was in Jim Red Clouds vehicles all over the United States and Canada so I wonder at which moment does Jim Red Cloud think he doesn't know me. I'll ask him when I return to his place in SD to pick up all the stuff I left there. Or maybe he is thinking he doesn't know me in a biblical way. That is true. Or maybe he is thinking he doesn't know me in a personal way. True, I rarely spoke to him once I left his home in SD because we were on the road shooting riders all the time and he was flying from place to place. But to say he doesn't know who I am is a bit troubling.
This is SO sad. I'm sure this adds to the sorrow of the people who lost their loved ones because of this race.
Interesting read from Alystar. The trip back to SD should be interesting as well.
Poor Alystar. I know you are confused. I just can't help feeling sorry for you. "Or maybe he is thinking he doesn't know me in a Biblical way". Poor Alystar. I am praying for you to wake up and realize what kind of sh-t storm YOU are in. Blessings,
how's that complaint you filed working out for ya these days?
Tah-Dah!..Our Day In The Life video! Adriana and I show you how we're building America's Toy-Friendly Community in Central Florida! We work 24/7 & love what we do--Building dream homes for Boomers who love Big Toys and play hard (motorcycles, boats, RVs...). Also have many Hoka Hey videos of warrior riders from FLA to Homer, AK. Enjoy! www.lakeweirlivingblog.com/
But Alystar, YOU have been saying all along that YOU have been paying for YOUR own room and such!
NOW YOU are saying Jim paid for everything?
Well now......
I guess that make s you a liar !!! HUH?
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