Gold Hill Identity Theft

By Edward Snook
Investigative Reporter

Gold Hill, Oregon – In June of this year false e-mails were sent to Gold Hill City Hall. The e-mail reached the city recorder’s office and reportedly Gold Hill City Councilor Gus Wolf received the same or a similar e-mail.

The e-mail fictitiously presented itself as if it came from the Mayor Sherry Young. It falsely warned of a lawsuit between Gold Hill’s Chief of Police, Dean Muchow and the city. Attached to the false e-mail was an altered copy of an article from the US~Observer, “Support a good Cop.”

Presenting oneself as another via e-mail is a form of identity theft, a class “C” felony.

High technology investigators were called in on the case. As a result of the investigation a search warrant was signed by a Jackson County judge on October 12, 2006, to seize certain evidence at 292 2nd Ave, Gold Hill, Oregon, the Christine Alford residence.

Our investigation is continuing into this matter given the special relationship that re-called Gold Hill City Councilor shares with current councilors Gus Wolf and Donna Silva. The US~Observer has compiled much evidence that shows the three have been working diligently to destroy Gold Hill Chief of Police Dean Muchow, certain officers and apparently the Gold Hill City Police Department.

Both Wolf and Silva survived a recent recall effort by citizens of Gold Hill, however the resulting number of votes cast in favor of their recall were substantial, while voter turnout was only around 36%. This fact would tend to support the theory that voters will most will send Wolf and Silva packing just as they did a few years ago with Christine Alford.

In a phone interview conducted with Chief Muchow shortly before press time he wouldn’t comment on when the search warrant would be served and only vaguely stated, “probably in the next few days.” Stay tuned to the US~Observer’s web site at www.usobserver.com for an update on seized property from the Alford residence as well as any charges filed against this recalled city councilor.