PORTLAND, Ore. - Bud O’Neil Burkleo, 35, of Warrenton, Oregon made an initial appearance today in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta.
The court unsealed a five-count indictment alleging Burkleo made four hoax distress calls to the U.S. Coast Guard between April and November of 2016. In response to each call, the Coast Guard dispatched rescue personnel in an attempt to protect life and property. Burkleo is also alleged to have lied to federal investigators.
Burkleo was released pending trial. A two-day jury trial is scheduled for May 29, 2018 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
