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Vice Blog

LOS ANGELES - DON BOLLES DEFENSE FUND

We're guessing you might have heard about this, but if not, Germs drummer Don Bolles got picked up last week by police in Newport, California, apparently for possessing hemp-based soap? There's probably

a little more

to the case, but for the time being it's being presented as your standard "fuckin' cops" sort of situation. You can read the original "pass the hat" note sent out by his current colloboratress Nora Keyes below, as well as a brief explanatory follow-up. Don did finally make bail yesterday, but now he's got to rustle up the dough for a decent attorney before Friday. Anyway, feel free to give a hand or be a snarky little self-satisfied prick. (PS: When did

everybody

in LA fall into the whole Boyd Rice neo-magickal-groovyism thing?)

"This past Wednesday night Don Bolles suffered a bizarre and unfortunate interception with the Newport Police Department. He was stopped for a broken tail light. We believe his unconventional looks and old army green van made him the victim of police profiling in this very affluent, quiet town. They searched his van. The only thing they found was a bottle of Dr Bronner's soap. If you are a good friend of Don's, you know this is the only cleaning agent he uses for every thing from tooth paste to laundry detergent. The police ran a drug field test on the soap and it came up positive. Dr. Bronner's is made with hemp seed oil. Maybe this is the reason behind the arresting officer's error. I spoke with someone who is familiar with forensic drug tests. They said the field test is not absolutely accurate. There are two other drug tests that need to be conducted on the soap. Also, the drug they are ascertaining that Don is in possession of is unusable in a soap base. He is being charged with a felony. His bail is $25,000. He could get up to 20 years in prison. This is very serious. Through a bail bonds company it is 2,500 dollars. Currently we have roughly 1,000 dollars. He is now being held at the Orange County jail. This is not a safe place for Don. With all my heart I do believe Don is innocent. I talked to the Police yesterday at the holding facility. Their attitude was harsh. This is truly a horrible and sad incident. I spoke with Don a number of times. He is in utter disbelief that this is happening to him. We are asking friends if they could make a contribution of 10-20 dollars or more to help get him out of jail as soon as possible so he can seek legal assistance. Please make contributions to the paypal account below. Also, if anyone knows of a lawyer that can donate their services, please contact me as soon as possible. I spoke with criminal lawyers yesterday and their fees are unbelievably high. -Nora" "Thanks everyone for all your help! Many people are writing me because they can not find a Don Bolles on the inmate list in OC. His real name is Jimmy Giorsetti. Also I have received a number of emails concerning paypal. When you go to www.paypal.com, to send money to Don, my account is deernora@yahoo.com. It is not necessary to write me at this email. We are still about a $1,000 short. Even 5 dollar or less could help. -Nora"