Minuteman Project Board of Directors Awarded $18,888.13 Judgement Against

Judge Randell Wilkinson of the Orange County Superior Court today handed down double blows against Minuteman founder Jim Gilchrist.

On the heels of the dismissal of his defamation suit against Minutemen Deborah Courtney, Marvin Stewart and Paul Sielski last month, the Court ordered Gilchrist to pay the Patriots he sued $18,888.13 in attorneys' fees.

"We are elated," said their attorney, Daniel F. Lula of Payne & Fears LLP in Irvine. "Recently Gilchrist has claimed that his defamation suit is only 'in abeyance' and he 'can bring it back.' The Court's ruling today puts the lie to Gilchrist's wishful thinking," Lula added.

Barbara Coe of the California Coalition for Immigration Reform, who is represented by attorney David Klehm of Santa Ana, was previously awarded $9,100 in attorneys' fees. This brings the total awards against Gilchrist to over $27,000.

Chelene Nightingale of Save Our State and Brook Young of Immigration Watchdog, who were also sued by Gilchrist, currently have motions to strike set for hearing later in September. If successful, Nightingale and Young will also be awarded attorneys' fees.

Judge Wilkinson also rejected Gilchrist's motion to dismiss the main case against him, Minuteman Project, Inc. v. Gilchrist. That suit alleges that Gilchrist breached his fiduciary duty by transferring Minuteman Project funds and property to his new
corporation, "Jim Gilchrist's Minuteman Project, Inc." without board approval. This case will now proceed against Gilchrist in Superior Court, where he will finally be forced to disclose how much the Minuteman Project received and where the money
went.

Gilchrist's vindictive and retributive behavior against fellow patriots has deeply disturbed many in the anti-illegal immigration movement. The recent rulings against Gilchrist and his associate Stephen Eichler should be heeded as a warning to engage others on the issues, not attempt to use litigation to squelch dissent.

The Minuteman Project was founded in early 2005 to secure America's borders by means of civilian volunteer observers. Incorporated in mid-2005 as a Delaware nonprofit corporation, the Minuteman Project is governed by a board of directors
under applicable law.

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