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rocki · 05-12-2003, 01:19 PM

Posted: 9:16 a.m. EDT May 10, 2003
Updated: 11:54 a.m. EDT May 11, 2003

SAN DIEGO -- Three producers of the "Bumfights" video pleaded guilty Friday to misdemeanor charges that they paid homeless men to duke it out in front of the camera.

BUMFIGHT VIDEO

See Images From The Video

Ryan McPherson, 19, Daniel J. Tanner, 21, and Zachary Bubeck, 24, all face probation and up to a year in jail when they are sentenced June 20 by Judge Charles Ervin.

'Bumfights' Video Shocks Court

All three pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to promote illegal fighting.

A fourth defendant, 21-year-old Michael Slyman, pleaded guilty to the same charge March 17 and is scheduled to be sentenced next Friday.

After a five-day preliminary hearing in January, a different judge dismissed felony charges of solicitation to commit a felony, and reduced other felony charges to misdemeanors.

Michael Pancer, the attorney for Bubeck, said the case against the four defendants was "overblown and, in parts, flat out absurd."

The attorney said the three defendants conspired by offering one homeless man something of value for a doughnut.

But Deputy District Attorney Curtis Ross called the defendants' actions "extremely cruel" and "cold-hearted conduct," which has ruined the lives of several homeless men.

He said the defendants acted the way they did out of "sick humor and a desire for financial gain at the peril of others."

"Bumfights" has sold more than 300,000 copies online for $20 each.

Performers typically were paid $5 to $100 by the filmmakers, who contend the fights and stunts were voluntary.

Three homeless men -- Rufus Hannah, Donnie Brennan and Peter LaForte -- have filed a lawsuit against the "Bumfights" producers.

05-12-2003, 01:19 PM
rocki Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 988	bumfight producers plead guilty Posted: 9:16 a.m. EDT May 10, 2003 Updated: 11:54 a.m. EDT May 11, 2003 SAN DIEGO -- Three producers of the "Bumfights" video pleaded guilty Friday to misdemeanor charges that they paid homeless men to duke it out in front of the camera. BUMFIGHT VIDEO See Images From The Video Ryan McPherson, 19, Daniel J. Tanner, 21, and Zachary Bubeck, 24, all face probation and up to a year in jail when they are sentenced June 20 by Judge Charles Ervin. 'Bumfights' Video Shocks Court All three pleaded guilty to a single charge of conspiracy to promote illegal fighting. A fourth defendant, 21-year-old Michael Slyman, pleaded guilty to the same charge March 17 and is scheduled to be sentenced next Friday. After a five-day preliminary hearing in January, a different judge dismissed felony charges of solicitation to commit a felony, and reduced other felony charges to misdemeanors. Michael Pancer, the attorney for Bubeck, said the case against the four defendants was "overblown and, in parts, flat out absurd." The attorney said the three defendants conspired by offering one homeless man something of value for a doughnut. But Deputy District Attorney Curtis Ross called the defendants' actions "extremely cruel" and "cold-hearted conduct," which has ruined the lives of several homeless men. He said the defendants acted the way they did out of "sick humor and a desire for financial gain at the peril of others." "Bumfights" has sold more than 300,000 copies online for $20 each. Performers typically were paid $5 to $100 by the filmmakers, who contend the fights and stunts were voluntary. Three homeless men -- Rufus Hannah, Donnie Brennan and Peter LaForte -- have filed a lawsuit against the "Bumfights" producers.