Pubdate: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
Source: Holland Sentinel (MI)
Copyright: 2001 The Holland Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.thehollandsentinel.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1145
Author: The Associated Press

JUSTICE TO PROBE FARM SHOOTINGS

VANDALIA (AP) -- The Justice Department will investigate the fatal 
shootings of two men by authorities during a five-day standoff at a 
campground for marijuana advocates.

An FBI agent shot Rainbow Farm owner Tom Crosslin on Monday after 
authorities say he pointed a gun at the agent, one of a number of 
law-enforcement officers surrounding the campground.

Police said Crosslin's roommate, Rolland Rohm, was shot Tuesday as he left 
a burning building on the property and aimed a gun at a state police 
officer. Authorities have not said who fired the fatal shot at Rohm.

The federal review is focusing on a second shot allegedly fired at Crosslin 
by an FBI special agent, said Mark Courtade, head of the criminal division 
of the U.S attorney's office in Grand Rapids. The agent was questioned by 
FBI officials, The Detroit News reported Wednesday.

The bureau withheld the names of agents involved in the shootings, but said 
the agents will continue working during the review.

The Rainbow Farm standoff started Friday after Crosslin missed a bond 
hearing and was reported to be burning buildings at the campground, which 
is the target of civil forfeiture proceedings.

Rainbow Farm hosted two annual pro-marijuana festivals called HempAid and 
RoachRoast, according to its Web site.

A court order issued in June prohibited Crosslin from having festivals at 
the farm. Police allege he violated the order by holding a gathering Aug. 
17-18, which prompted a bond hearing that was scheduled for Friday. 
Crosslin was charged with felony possession of a firearm, growing marijuana 
and maintaining a drug house.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Risko has defended the shootings, and said 
Rohm was repeatedly ordered to put down his gun.

"Both subjects pointed firearms at officers, and I don't know what else you 
would have officers do," Risko said.
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