NAFPS Forum

General => Research Needed => Topic started by: Kevin on April 09, 2009, 04:49:33 pm

Title: "Native American Church" Strawberry Plains TN, Jerry Dills AKA Peshewa
Post by: Kevin on April 09, 2009, 04:49:33 pm
http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/

"NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH
of Strawberry Plains Tennessee
Millennium Purification and Emergence"

"Dr. PeSheWa, Shawnee, is a Priest in the Ne'ishte' Kiva and in the Native American Church. He currently is working on the establishment of Sacred Ground. Nine years ago on a piece of land on Interstate 40 near Knoxville, he set the first Totem. Now there are four totems; the base for the first indigenous memorial (220 feet long); a community center, complete with restaurant; an art gallery; a gift shop; a 55 foot medicine wheel; and a 1000 foot red path.

This is typical of the manifestation of energy with which he deals. An active Shaman for 28 years and an ordained Priest for 21 years, Dr. PeSheWa has been exemplary in the Indian Movement."

The above comes from the section etitled Bio on Dr. PeShe Wa - I was sort of hoping to learn what his Ph.d was in but it didn't say a whole lot.......

You can read all about 'the church'  in German, French and Spanish as well. Maybe this has already been addressed, I don't know.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: tachia on April 09, 2009, 07:57:44 pm
http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/

"NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH
of Strawberry Plains Tennessee
Millennium Purification and Emergence"

"Dr. PeSheWa, Shawnee, is a Priest in the Ne'ishte' Kiva and in the Native American Church. He currently is working on the establishment of Sacred Ground. Nine years ago on a piece of land on Interstate 40 near Knoxville, he set the first Totem. Now there are four totems; the base for the first indigenous memorial (220 feet long); a community center, complete with restaurant; an art gallery; a gift shop; a 55 foot medicine wheel; and a 1000 foot red path.

This is typical of the manifestation of energy with which he deals. An active Shaman for 28 years and an ordained Priest for 21 years, Dr. PeSheWa has been exemplary in the Indian Movement."

The above comes from the section etitled Bio on Dr. PeShe Wa - I was sort of hoping to learn what his Ph.d was in but it didn't say a whole lot.......

You can read all about 'the church'  in German, French and Spanish as well. Maybe this has already been addressed, I don't know.


http://www.thesantaclaus.org/FatherC.html

Dr. MaCaki PeSheWa. He's a doctor with a degree in divinity from the Native American University in Mexico.



his real name: jerry neal  dills
http://cita.chattanooga.org/TNNAorgs.html

Native American Church, Inc. (1981-89, 1993- )
PO Box 53, Strawberry Plains TN 37871 . 865/ 933.1456
www.NativeAmericanChurch.com . elders
Jerry Neal Dills aka "Dr. MaCaki PeSheWa" drpeshewa
Darrell Ridenour


there is a lot of info on this guy through google .. .. .. just another mix and match shame-on .. was there a particular reason you brought this up kevin? .. ..

Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: tachia on April 09, 2009, 08:03:22 pm
http://www.thesantaclaus.org/FatherC.html

Born in 1941 at Spartanburg, S.C., this Santa knows the pangs of poverty first-hand: "When I was younger, it was a rough world and rough for us. We grew up on the wrong side of the railroad tracks," he says. "We just were poor and didn't have stuff." As an adult, this Santa has held a variety of jobs - including being a teacher. He worked, too, as a zealous fighter for rights due Native Americans like himself. Now, at 57, this Shawnee Santa - who is also part-Blackfoot and part-Sioux - has retired. He pulls income from Social Security. "And my wife works," he says. "So I've got enough money myself." He takes and makes no money at this gift-giving thing. But that's beside the point of why and how he works against the Grinch - his former self, you might say - to ensure happy times on Dec. 25.

This Santa pastors the Native American Church in Strawberry Plains. It's located not too many miles south of the I-81//I-40 interchange. The church's architecture possesses a Southwestern motif. It's built of blocks. Real simple. And outlined this time of year with streams of gold tinsel. Outside, the place looks in need of a good grooming - the roof needs to be finished, part of the lawn needs mowing, there's bits of this, that and trash scattered everywhere. But inside you'll find a terrific toyland - a warehouse probably much like one run by the North Pole Santa. Shelves are stacked high with dolls and toys and games.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: educatedindian on April 10, 2009, 02:49:59 am
I think he came up on NAFPS when we were still a yahoo group. He's just a Nuager who managed to get the domain name NativeAmericanChurch.com before anyone else could. Nothing to do with the actual NAC at all.

At the time he wasn't even claiming to be NDN. This is the first I recall seeing him claiming to be such.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 04, 2010, 09:24:16 pm
I am a newbie here and this will probably be my only post. I found this thread through google and I have first-hand knowledge and experience with this person, having been an "apprentice" myself and ingested more peyote than I care to think about. This information is accurate through 1990 and comes from my first-hand experience. I was there. It took a few years to grow up and realize what a piece of work this guy really is. I voluntarily left the group after serving Dills for about 8 years.

For the purposes of this public post I do not wish to identify myself. But I can answer any other inquiries or follow-up, if needed, privately through email or by phone. This is real.

Jerry Dills goes by several names, including Macaki Peshewa, and another name Neishte. They are all the same person. Dills administers peyote ceremonies in his home in Strawberry Plains, TN without a valid DEA permit. He claims affiliation with the United Remnant Band of Shawnee based in Ohio, where a priest there ("Chief Hawk Pope") did have a peyote permit. Dills does not have a permit and uses this borrowed permit to have peyote delivered to his home. He has, for several decades, administered peyote to young college students (including myself) who he taps into to become "Indian" enough to work for him for free. However, he has no standing to do this, hiding behind his "priesthood" and "Indian" in general and wowing starry-eyed wannabes with peyote trips using a borrowed permit.

Dills has created numerous corporations, and all share the same board members who play musical chairs. These Tennessee-based corporations include Tennessee Indian Council (nonprofit), Native American Indian Media Corp (nonprofit), Systems Theories and Human Development Corp, Native American Church, and several others. All are comprised of the same small core group of people since inception. Take a look Dills' resume (in the name of Macaki Peshewa) and every corporation listed is his. Dills uses theses corporations as mirrors reflecting and referencing themselves, to cast the illusion of an entity larger than the 1/2 dozen (or less) core people it all boils down to. A review of these corporate documents will show the same people running these companies from the same location. It's all bullshit.

Dills engineered the takeover of the Tennessee Indian Council (TIC) board of directors in the mid 1980s in order to take control of the largest bingo game in Tennessee, which was operated in Memphis under the TIC charter. Dills operated that game until bingo was made illegal in TN in the late 1980s. He then moved his bingo operation to Spartanburg, South Carolina where it fizzled out by around 1988.

Also in the late 1980s, Dills and the Tennessee Indian Council was under investigation by a federal grand jury in Nashville, TN at the time, them being among the targets of the investigation, as they were informed at the time by the federal prosecutor. The grand jury was investigating bingo, and Dills was subpoenaed to testify. However, Dills never testified because he had a real good attorney at the time (Lionel Barret of Nashville, TN) who shielded him from appearing. The grand jury also subpoenaed all corporate documents of the Tennessee Indian Council, which was delivered to the prosecutor in Nashville. Nothing came of that investigation. Soon after the TN legislature made bingo illegal, so Dills moved his game to SC, using Native American Indian Media Corp. as the front for that game.

Dills claims to have numerous PhDs, however, they are all from unknown universities. The primary source of his doctorates are from the "Native Americas University" based in Mexico, supposedly. While convenient for Dills at the time because this information was not easily verified, in today's world of internet, there is no internet reference to Native Americas University found. There is no way to verify his stated education, which apparently is entirely bogus. Dills did audit some classes at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, but has no degrees from that school or any school or university in the U.S. Dills was illiterate until his early 20s and reads and writes at about the 6th grade level.

His claim to education in Mexico is dubious, as he also claims to have been a member of Carlos Casteneda's party (Teachings of Don Juan). Sounded good at the time. His PhD's are in "Systems and Theories" and another in "Human Development." That's what's on his resume.

Dills primarily uses the NAC as a personal tax haven, claiming to be grandfathered as a church. However, he has probably delluded himself with his own bullshit. Dills (aka Peshewa) has at various times claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, as well as the "chosen one" and adopted the name Neishte as another alias in order to cloak himself in prophetic trappings. He claims special spiritual knowledge and seeks followers, so in his mind he is real.

With the advent of the internet, Dills grabbed numerous domain names, including www.NativeAmericanChurch.com, www.indianreader.com, www.thesantaclaus.org, www.neishtekiva.com, www.beyondprophecy.com, among them. As with his corporations, Dills uses these websites to reflect and reference themselves, but it remains the same small core of people. The names on those websites are the same folks who run the corporations, the church, and all that was true through 1990.

None of the materials on these sites is current. For example, the Indian Reader website is relying on a few issues of a newsletter which was published in the mid 1980s, and all the materials on that website are from published print materials dated 1986 or before. Dills stretches everything he can to the max in terms of self-adulation, and this is a good example of reusing old stuff to cast the illusion of actually doing something or being something.

It's unfortunate that he has the domain name NativeAmericanChurch.com as this ensures he hits high in internet google searches. A review of the guestbooks on these sites reveals the sad truth that many of the legitimate members of the church think this is the official site. Go and read some of those guestbook entries and you'll see responses from all over the world. This is really sad and an unfortunate consequence of Dills grabbing this domain first.

The Native American Church of Strawberry Plains, TN is questionable at best, fraudulent at worst, and relies on a borrowed peyote permit to administer ceremonies to which Dills is ill-suited to perform. To call Jerry Neal Dills (a/k/a Dr. Macaki Peshewa a/k/a Neishte) a charlatan would be too kind. Other than peyote ceremonies, Dills does not administer any other ceremonies, at all. It is of note that no "real" skins hang out with Dills for very long. No wonder.

As stated, this information is accurate through 1990 and and is based on my personal, first-hand experience. Some of the information I present here is from observation and conversation and cannot be verified. But much of the information can be verified, for example, the peyote use, which requires a signature on the DEA form when UPS delivers the stuff, as well as the bingo information. The corporate structures. Things like that can be verified. It's quite possible some of the conditions may have changed. However, since Dills has ongoing, active live websites as of today promoting peyote use, as well as his personal and corporate agenda, it is doubtful much has changed at all. Probably just more of the same.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 05, 2010, 03:24:41 am
"Dr. PeSheWa, Shawnee, is a Priest in the Ne'ishte' Kiva and in the Native American Church. He currently is working on the establishment of Sacred Ground. Nine years ago on a piece of land on Interstate 40 near Knoxville, he set the first Totem. Now there are four totems; the base for the first indigenous memorial (220 feet long); a community center, complete with restaurant; an art gallery; a gift shop; a 55 foot medicine wheel; and a 1000 foot red path.

This really is a riot, and is a perfect example of Dills' self promotion based on bullshit.

Dills' "sacred ground" is a 7 acre plot on I-40 with a cinder block building. The totems were mostly carved by Cherokee artist Roger Crowe (deceased) who was driven out of the church by Dills when they had a disagreement. The place looks like a run down trailer park.

You can visit Dills' "sacred ground" yourself. You can see it off I-40 near Knoxville, at about the 400 mile marker. To visit the grounds, from Knoxville take exit 398, turn left onto Strawberry Plains Pike (turn right if you're going into Knoxville), go less than 1 mile past all the gas stations and food joints. Turn right onto Wooddale Church Road. You will soon see and be driving beside I-40. Turn right onto McMillan Road, which goes back over the interstate. The entrance to the "sacred site" is to the left, a few hundred feet once you've gone over the interstate. Take a good look and see how it compares to the hyped bullshit from Dills' descriptions.

Here is google map imagery of the site:

Google Map of NAC "sacred ground" (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=7800+Sunset+Heights+Dr,+knoxville,+tn&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=31.784549,56.513672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=7800+Sunset+Heights+Dr,+Knoxville,+Knox,+Tennessee+37914&t=h&ll=36.004209,-83.748822&spn=0.001996,0.003449&z=18)


Here are some really great arial views of the "sacred grounds" right on I-40:

Sacred Grounds View 1 (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=q00kpq80msjk&scene=20259798&lvl=2&sty=o&cid=583C48E734ECB608!112&where1=7800%20Sunset%20Heights%20Dr%2C%20Knoxville%2C%20TN%2037914-8900)    Sacred Grounds View 2 (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=q00kpq80msjk&scene=20259261&lvl=2&sty=o&cid=583C48E734ECB608!112)    Sacred Grounds View 3 (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=q00mng80msbk&scene=20259251&lvl=2&sty=o&cid=583C48E734ECB608!112)    Sacred Grounds View 4 (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=q00mv180msn6&scene=20259262&lvl=2&sty=o&cid=583C48E734ECB608!112)

It's kind of hard to see where "a community center, complete with restaurant, an art gallery, a gift shop" might be located on this property... I suppose you don't need any parking when you're running this type of operation.

Dills lives about 1/2 mile from the "sacred site." Dills and the "sacred site" are actually located in Knoxville, TN. His mailing address and phone are in Strawberry Plains but he physically is in Knox County.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 05, 2010, 04:39:15 am
Wow... this just gets better and better.

It appears that the Native Americas University and the Neishte Kiva (also Dills) are one in the same. Take a look at this:

http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/Research.html (http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/Research.html)

Kind of figures. And take a look at this. Here is an example of both very outdated materials, and self-promotion at the same time. This list of folks being "thanked" by the Native American Church, are a list of folks from the mid 1980s, evidenced by the fact that several of the senators and congressmen being thanked are no longer in office for many years. In fact, several folks on the thank you list have been deceased for many over a decade (Fritz Niggler, Congressman John Duncan Sr., and Sen Strom Thurmond are dead. Others on the list may be dead too, the list is that old). And, scroll down to the bottom of this "thank you" list, and you will see Dills thanking his own corporations:

http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/thanks.html (http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/thanks.html)

Good grief. I've said enough. Maybe these posts will be read by someone who understands the high level of bullshit in play here.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: E.P. Grondine on January 06, 2010, 04:30:57 am
Jerry Dills goes by several names, including Macaki Peshewa, and another name Neishte. They are all the same person. Dills administers peyote ceremonies in his home in Strawberry Plains, TN without a valid DEA permit. He claims affiliation with the United Remnant Band of Shawnee based in Ohio, where a priest there ("Chief Hawk Pope") did have a peyote permit. Dills does not have a permit and uses this borrowed permit to have peyote delivered to his home. He has, for several decades, administered peyote to young college students (including myself) who he taps into to become "Indian" enough to work for him for free. However, he has no standing to do this, hiding behind his "priesthood" and "Indian" in general and wowing starry-eyed wannabes with peyote trips using a borrowed permit.

As Jerry Pope [AKA "Chief Hawk Pope"] does not have a raptor feather permit, it is hard to imagine that he has a legitimate peyote permit.

Hmmm, I did not know peyote permits could be "lent".

Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 06, 2010, 06:47:59 am
As Jerry Pope [AKA "Chief Hawk Pope"] does not have a raptor feather permit, it is hard to imagine that he has a legitimate peyote permit.

Hmmm, I did not know peyote permits could be "lent".

I am relaying what Dills told me as best I can remember after 20-30 years. Dills did not have his own permit, I do know that for sure. It was my understanding that Hawk Pope (or someone associated with Pope) had a permit which is what Dills used, whether by permission or not. It's possible that someone else associated with the United Remnant Band of Shawnee had a permit. For sure the permit was somehow tied to that group as I recall. It is my memory that it was Pope who carried the permit but I never met Pope, only heard about him from Dills, who was a member of Pope's group. It is also my understanding, according to Dills, that Pope also administered peyote in ceremonies. I do not know if that is true; I do know that is what Dills told me.

Peyote was delivered to Dills' home on numerous occasions over the years via UPS and he was required to sign some federal papers to receive. I was standing at the UPS truck several times this happened and saw Dills sign the papers to receive the peyote. It's possible Dills signed someone else's name to the papers. He often did that. As I recall, the peyote came from Texas.

Of course peyote permits cannot be lent. That's just common sense. But they are lent. You would think this would be a violation of federal law, yes? Who checks this stuff? Who controls it? I am accurately conveying here that Dills received and administered peyote without having his own permit and did so for many years. The medicine bag he wears contains peyote. Given that his websites currently promote peyote (he has a lot of information posted on his site about peyote and its use) it's not a stretch to think he is still doing this.

For clarity, I am not Indian. I am white. I met Dills when I was 18 and pretty stupid, and moved into his house about a year or so later. I voluntarily departed Dills' group about 8+ years later. I'm now 49. I can also state that, with the exception of Roger Crowe, that no other Indians ever participated in the ceremonies I was part of, unless you consider Dills to be Indian. All the participants were white.

Dills actively promotes peyote and solicits followers. It would be easy for someone to show up at his doorstep and find out for themselves. Go take a look. Don't take my word for it. Go to Knoxville and visit Dills. I can provide the address of his house. See for yourself. Form your own conclusions.

And as I originally stated in my first post, I will make myself available by phone (preferred) or email to anyone who wishes to contact me (but only if you identify yourself). Otherwise, I have made my statement and I stand by it, and have nothing further to add. It is possible to pick apart anything. Have at it. Enjoy yourself. This does not diminish the matters I have shared here. Go find out. It's there to be found out.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: ten-skey on January 08, 2010, 02:21:38 pm
MORE coverage of Jerry " Hawk " / "Tukemas" Pope's United Remant Band SHAWNEE GROUPS Can be found on Woodlandindians .org forum column " tribe " wants Ohio mound protected from wind farm.   Ten-skey
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 16, 2010, 11:10:31 am
I have received this private communication regarding this matter from a new member named "silver star"

Private message received from "silver star"
Topic "i know something's"

Hay Just Like I Said I Know Something's but i want to know thats its safe to talk to you. and i am close to the situation. how do i know that you r not jerry? if you want to talk just let me know i will be happy to talk to you about it.

peace. star

To silver star: I would prefer not to communicate with you privately. If you have information to share regarding this topic, I would prefer you share it with the entire forum, in full view.

You indicated whether you could trust me or not, wondering if I was in fact, Jerry Dills. If you have read my posts and can wonder something like that, then there is no point in having private communications with you because you make no sense.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: dabosijigwokush on January 17, 2010, 05:20:33 am
look to the left in photo 3 fire circle and a lodge circle and further left a medicine wheel
looks like he made a bonified sacred sight
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: silver star on January 17, 2010, 07:58:03 am
I ived in the situation for 20 some odd years and i know very much about what goes on. i am sorry i did not see what you posted in response to my message. i would have known you if you really lived with him for 8 years. and i know you would know me, things need to be set straight and i would just want to know someone else who lived through the hell like i did. there have been so many coming and going it's hard to imagin who u are. And i do not feel comfortable leaving my real name on this forum just as you do. Hope you understand, not trying to be difficult just protected.  And i can fully swear to you i am not jerry or doc, i wouldn't wish that on my own worse enemy.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 17, 2010, 10:24:56 am
look to the left in photo 3 fire circle and a lodge circle and further left a medicine wheel
looks like he made a bonified sacred sight

What is a "bonified [sic] sacred sight" ? Please explain.

If you zoom out on any of the view you will find all the stuff you can read about in many books.

Jerry Dills acquired this property with the intent of lobbying the State of Tennessee to build an exit ramp at McMillan Road, which he did and was not successful. That would have dropped travelers right at his "sacred grounds." Is it possible to purchase property and deem it to be "sacred?" Perhaps my understanding of "sacred" is different than yours. Do sacred grounds also include gift shops, restaurants, an art gallery, and so forth? What is a "1000-foot red path" anyway?

When one worships the almighty dollar this makes sense, then. In that light, then these grounds are indeed sacred. In my humble opinion, of course.

But I would definitely be interested in learning more about what bonafide sacred grounds are. I am no longer a member of the Native American Church so if I am doing a dis-service to NAC here, my apologies.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 17, 2010, 10:30:37 am
I ived in the situation for 20 some odd years and i know very much about what goes on. i am sorry i did not see what you posted in response to my message. i would have known you if you really lived with him for 8 years. and i know you would know me, things need to be set straight and i would just want to know someone else who lived through the hell like i did. there have been so many coming and going it's hard to imagin who u are. And i do not feel comfortable leaving my real name on this forum just as you do. Hope you understand, not trying to be difficult just protected.  And i can fully swear to you i am not jerry or doc, i wouldn't wish that on my own worse enemy.

Thanks you silver star for your understanding. Rather than try to validate my story for yourself, why not just share your own story here and let it speak for itself?

I am fully aware that by making my postings I have placed my personal safety in jeopardy. I have no illusions about this. But when I stumbled across this forum and this thread months ago, I waited a long long time and prayed (if that's what you wish to call it) about this. Having read EducatedIndian's post about basically this issue having been dismissed already, I could not in good conscious let this go, knowing what I know about this fraud and the psychic damage Dills has inflicted on many dozens of people.

As you probably know, I blocked any further private messages from you. It does not matter who I am. You can tell your story here and maintain a degree of protection, I believe, if you simply tell the truths you know. Why not share your story here, in this forum? You already know my story as best as I can tell it. Let me hear yours. In full view.

I have already privately revealed my identity and contact information to the moderators of this forum, just so that they know I am trying to remain transparent, while at the same time trying to protect myself. I do understand the balancing act there and understand fully.

I would love to hear your story. Tell it in your own words as best as you can. Pray for clarity on this and do what you need to do. That's what I have done.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 17, 2010, 11:30:53 am
As I stated in my post above to "silver star" I am fully aware the effect my postings may have. In my statements there are many things I present which paint a picture of the situation there in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. Some of these experiences I relayed can never be validated. For example, Jerry Dills told me, face to face, looking in my eyes, that he was the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The matter of him being a member of Carlos Casteneda's party was told to me by one of Dills' wives, never by Dills himself. There is no way to validate personal conversations like that. I presented this information to present a more fully-rounded picture of what I went through.

There are, however, matters I presented that can be validated by outside sources. The corporate matters can be validated by contacting the Tennessee Secretary of State, Corporations Section, and pulling annual reports and other public documents.

The bingo information can also be validated, in part, by the TN Secretary of State's office, as well as the SC Secretary of State. Since bingo games were shut down in TN in the late 1980s this may take some digging. However, once the date is determined when games were shut down, looking backwards in two newspapers (The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, and The Nashville Tennessean in Nashville) will result in numerous articles about bingo which reference the Tennessee Indian Council and some, Macaki Peshewa, directly.

Regarding the use of peyote, somewhere there will exist a paper trail of deliveries of peyote to NAC, Strawberry Plains, TN, over the last 35+ years. This would probably best be done, if possible, with some sort of reverse lookup: instead of trying to find deliveries based on specific permits, try to find all deliveries to a specific location instead (Native American Church, Strawberry Plains, TN), and then see what permit(s) were used. Somewhere, there will be a paper trail to establish these deliveries. I know this for truth because I was there and ingested peyote in ceremonies at least 6 times over 8+ years. (I was actually close to the situation more like 10+ years but it took me about 2 years to plot my departure, which is another story altogether!)

I personally have no resources to engage in this research and have not heard from any moderator or researchers from NAFPS, so it is my hope that my posts are not made for naught. I do understand that things take time to work through, and all I can do, from my position, is convey what I know as clearly as I can. I would ask that silver star, and others who may have personal first-hand knowledge and who happen upon this thread, to do the same.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: silver star on January 17, 2010, 07:46:33 pm
For starters when you said one of his "wives" Marion or Melanie or even one i don't know about. Doc gave me payote at a young age to young if you ask me. i witnessed first hand is lies, decit, and under handedness. I watched him get rid of countless people Bruse Torbit, Frank, Roger Crowe, a man named Joe and basicallly anyone that came against him. How many children did he have when you knew him and did you experience the child abuse first hand? And the bingo thing actually ended in 93, in South Carolina i was there. Did you ever partake in what Doc called "konah"? I know about alot of things but what i am more concerned with is the neglect of his children some that is still going on today. I know there are 6, but i have info there is more just don't know how many more. And myself and some others have tried to take him down but he's hard to get too. I pray that one day his delusional world will come crashing and burning down.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 17, 2010, 08:14:10 pm
For starters when you said one of his "wives" Marion or Melanie or even one i don't know about. Doc gave me payote at a young age to young if you ask me. i witnessed first hand is lies, decit, and under handedness. I watched him get rid of countless people Bruse Torbit, Frank, Roger Crowe, a man named Joe and basicallly anyone that came against him. How many children did he have when you knew him and did you experience the child abuse first hand? And the bingo thing actually ended in 93, in South Carolina i was there. Did you ever partake in what Doc called "konah"? I know about alot of things but what i am more concerned with is the neglect of his children some that is still going on today. I know there are 6, but i have info there is more just don't know how many more. And myself and some others have tried to take him down but he's hard to get too. I pray that one day his delusional world will come crashing and burning down.

It was Melanie who told me Jerry was part of Carlos Casteneda's group. I will not dignify Dills by calling him Dr. Macaki Peshewa here. To me he was is and always will be Jerry Dills. When I left the group he had 3 children by 2 wives. I am godfather to those 3 children. I will not name them here and until you named his wives I was not going to do that. However, Dills, as you point out indirectly, is, or was, a practicing polygamist.

I have no idea what "konah" is and never heard of that. I do not know if he abused his children. That is news to me. When I left, his oldest son was 8 years old, born in 1981. That would make him 29 now. My experience was he was very VERY generous with his kids, spending tens of thousands of dollars on toys and the like. In one year I estimated he spent $50,000 on toys for his childredn, at a time when bingo was at its height, and I was getting paid $100 per week. I had heard through the grapevine that he was having marital difficulties but that was all I had heard.

What alarms me now, is that I found this NAFPS thread through a google search. I note now that this thread is no longer showing up on google. That does raise some alarms for me, in that Jerry Dills always made sure he had powerful friends. It appears now that Dills is aware of this thread and is taking action to cover his ass. I have written the moderators of this forum to express these concerns.

When I left the group Dills would still call me and be nice, but trash me to everyone else. I hung out with a fellow we'll call "Rossi" who was the only person I know that Dills was afraid of, who was a large black man who practiced voodoo and herbal medicine. To all, I know that sounds weird, but that is true. Rossie died in the mid-1990s. But he was kind to me and helped me stand on my own and I went to him for protection against Jerry. What Rossie did do was to let me listen in on phone conversations, dozens of them, with him and Jerry, so I know first-hand how Jerry would slander me in every negative way possible. What a two-faced ass he was. I had already known he had damaged me mentally, but now he was trying to take me down in every way he could. Rossi informed Jerry that I was "protected" and not to be f---ed with. Rossi knew Jerry very well indeed.

I am beginning to get a sense of who you may be. Keep telling your story please, and I am particularly interested in what "konah" is. That's a new one on me.

clearwater

[personal info removed by request - k]
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: silver star on January 17, 2010, 08:50:38 pm
Trust me when i say there WAS and IS neglect on his children, i hate to sound bad but were you "really that close".  A god father well now i'm interested, i know of several including Tom, Steve, Black Fish, and Roddy.  The reason bingo ended in SC was b/c of a federal investegation, where he hid money with several people. And in regard to "Rossi" i knew him as well. And i also knew Fritz and Jim Lee. Konah or thats what he called it, is what he smokes in his pipe. Real konah is a mix of lsd and payote. So are you any closer to finding out who i am. And believe me i got much more to lose by being found out then you are. And he is NOT half as powerful as you think he is, trust me i know. And what else would you like to know from me?
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 17, 2010, 08:55:39 pm
When I say I was "godfather" that was not necessarily by choice. When his children were born, I was told I was a godfather. I was not asked, I was told. So, I took that seriously. I know what that term means. I always wondered why, though, an Indian priest would use that terminology.

I am now unblocking your address and we may continue this dialogue off list.

I never smoked "konah" with Dills. And no, I am no closer to figuring out who you are, any more than you have figured out who I am.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: silver star on January 18, 2010, 06:10:56 am
I'm sorry you blocked me again without giving me a chance to write back. First things first I have no anger toward you what so ever. Secondly, I am NOT Sandy Graves. And third, this is not about you, i just thought that i had found someone who had been screwed over by Jerry as bad as I have been. The main reason i am trying to find out who you are first is mainly so I could tell you who I am, I think if you knew you would fall out of your seat. I remember the SC bingo hall REAL well and in order for me to give you more info and more of my personal stories i would have to tell u who i am for it all to make sense. And if you do not feel comfortable to do so thats fine.  My main concern is stopping the neglect of the girls still left under him thumb. And buisness is buisness but lives are being destroyed by Jerry still to this day and God knows what else buisness wise or children wise.  If you are one of the people I have mentioned then you should know me real well.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 18, 2010, 12:20:36 pm
I'm sorry you blocked me again without giving me a chance to write back.
<snip>

I am just being too cautious here. I have unblocked you again. To the forum I apologize for this exchange but I am just trying to protect myself. Here is a PM I just sent to silver star:

Ok I read your post just now. I thought you were Sandy due to the omissions of who the godfathers were. You omitted Sandy, Charlie, Frank and a few others.

I am again unblocking you. If you wish to communicate that's fine, but there is an issue of trust here. As I explained, the death threat I took to heart. I believe Jerry would kill me in a heartbeat. And, possibly, his nephew(s) would too.

Whatever. You contacted me first. I am merely trying to protect myself. If you wish to tell me who you are, I will tell you who I am. But you first.

In any event, if I take this to a higher level, will you be willing to step up to the plate too? Or will doing so just me hanging myself?

Another reason I have unblocked you is because a poster here at NAFPS forum sent me a private message for concern of my safety, and I expressed to that poster my questions about you, including that I thought you were taking me to task rather than deal with the topic of the thread. That person did not see what I saw... <snip> ... I do trust that person who has been of considerable help at a psychic level. So, I defer to her opinion. My bad.

And I do tend to over-react sometimes, but when my personal safety may be at stake, I would rather over-react than not. You understand?

So, fire away. My commitment to you still stands, regarding only posting information with your express permission. It would be my hope, though, that you would choose to participate in the thread and offer what you know there, where it can actually make some difference.

I only know of a few people who were with Dills' group 20 years. And none of those people seem to fit you. So yes, I will probably be surprised to find out who you are. Are you Melanie? You do have me stumped, I admit. Which makes me ever MORE cautious and wary. Some of the folks you mentioned, Roddy for example, I don't know and never knew, but that name does ring a bell. I think he was on his way in when I was on my way out. Was he the young guy who spouted all that chemistry knowledge? And Joe, was he the mountain man artist who lived in a school bus on the property? Dim lights for me there.

So for you I stop being over-reactive but I think you probably understand why I have been so. When I sent you several PM's yesterday you were still online, just having made your public post literally while I was typing a message to you. Again, just trying to protect myself.

And as you can imagine, communicating with an anonymous person about this stuff is a little weird. As I stated in my public posts, I welcome anyone to contact me as long as you identify yourself first, which you have not done even to this point. But on the flip-side, I understand why. I just thought it was odd you would, even could, think I was Jerry, when I am publicly accusing him of committing a Class A felony. Did not make any sense.

Again, on the abuse and neglect, I left the group in 1989-1990 and all I ever saw was over-compensation on Dills' part by spending thousands of $$ on his kids. I can only assume because he grew up in poverty?

Fire away. I'm all ears.

I have told silver star that I will not post ANY private messages from him/her without his/her express permission. I will honor that silver star. As I stated to you in private, though, it would be my hope that you can share at least part of your experience here in public, to add to this thread of public knowledge.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: critter - a white non-ndn person on January 18, 2010, 07:48:35 pm
Ok, I have to speak here, regarding: 

Quote from: clearwater on Today at 06:57:38 AM
Another reason I have unblocked you is because a poster here at NAFPS forum sent me a private message for concern of my safety, and I expressed to that poster my questions about you, including that I thought you were taking me to task rather than deal with the topic of the thread. That person did not see what I saw... <snip> ... I do trust that person who has been of considerable help at a psychic level. So, I defer to her opinion. My bad. >end quote<

I will say that I contacted you and asked about a potential leak to your identity.. and I also stated that I did not read words as you have, but that I am not familiar with Dills and have no concept of the language involved, and that if you saw it, then it may be.. 

I am not psychic. 

Thank you.   :)

Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: silver star on January 18, 2010, 09:05:05 pm
No i understand why you feel the way you feel, b/c Jerry is nuts. He and his naphew(s) had a falling out a while back ago, they dont even speak anymore. I would never do anything to harm you, or anyone else who has espace from Jerry's hold. I do know that most of his kids either hate him, or have walked away from his "lifestyle". I do still talk to some of his kids from time to time. And its out of fear for them that i have to watch what i say when i say it.  Thank you for unblocking me.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 18, 2010, 09:39:14 pm
...

I will say that I contacted you and asked about a potential leak to your identity.. and I also stated that I did not read words as you have, but that I am not familiar with Dills and have no concept of the language involved, and that if you saw it, then it may be.. 

I am not psychic. 

Thank you.   :)

PM already sent, and this has been cleared up privately. Sorry for the poor choice of words here. I guess it's that I trust your perceptions. There has been no veiled communication between me and silver star.

For me this is like a drama unfolding. silver star and I are now communicating privately. Wow. There are some notes to compare,k and catching up to do.

To silver star: I agree. Jerry "Doc" Dills is a real piece of work. "Nuts" is being very polite. I have held my silence for years, but he never could "live and let live" and it made him even nuttier that I walked away, was not thrown out. Although I am very keenly aware of the lies he has told about me, he never could let go.

Going back to "konah" that was a new one on me. All that was ever in his pipe when I was around was pot. And he really did enjoy cocaine a good bit when the bingo bucks were rolling in.

Time to get re-acquainted.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: bls926 on January 19, 2010, 02:08:59 am
Googling Jerry Neal Dills:

His mother's obituary
Quote
Thelma Dills

RINGGOLD -- Thelma H. Dills, 89, died Sunday, April 13, 2008, in a local hospital.

She had been a resident of North Georgia for five years, coming from Spartanburg, S.C.

Mrs. Dills was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Henry Neal Dills; children, Phyllis Janelle Englis and Henry Neal Dills Jr.

Survivors are son, Jerry Neal Dills, Knoxville; daughter, Rebecca Dills Gregory, Ringgold; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The body has been taken to Floyd Funeral Home in Spartanburg, S.C., for services and interment.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/apr/15/obituaries-april-15-2008/


Tennessee Native American Indian & Related Organizations
(which reads like a Who's Who of Wannabes and Pretendians, with a few legitimate organizations thrown in)
Quote
76. Native American Church, Inc. (1981-89, 1993- )
PO Box 53, Strawberry Plains TN 37871 . 865/ 933.1456
www.NativeAmericanChurch.com . elders
Jerry Neal Dills aka "Dr. MaCaki PeSheWa" drpeshewa
Darrell Ridenour
http://cita.chattanooga.org/TNNAorgs.html



Googling Jerry Dills + Native American Church:

NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH
of Strawberry Plains Tennessee
Millennium Purification and Emergence
http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/

Thought this "research project" was interesting. Think that Sioux saying they used on this page is fitting; should be coming around to bite him on the ass.

Quote
Native Americas University Research
Research Solicitation
We are commencing a research project between the Native Americas University and the Ne'isthe' Kiva.

This research involves any and all tribal cultures including persons of American Indian descent.

We are seeking personal experiences from Anyone who has had:

Out-of-the-body experience
Near death perception
Alien encounter or abductions
You can e-mail your experience to:

Contact

If you prefer use a video or video cassette and mail to:

Native Americas University Research
PO Box 53,
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

You may call the N.A.C. at (865) 933-1456 and leave a phone number where you can be reached. Someone will return your call and set a time and date for interview by phone.

Please include your return e-mail address along with a phone number and mailing address.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This is the fire that will help the generations to come,

if they use it in a sacred manner.

But if they do not use it well,

the fire will have the power to do them great harm."

-Sioux Indian
http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/Research.html



Googling PeSheWa + Shawnee:

Mending the Hoop » Active TN Organizations
Active TN Organizations
Native American Church, Inc. (1981-89, 1993- )
Quote
Dr. PeSheWa, Shawnee, is a Priest in the Ne’ishte’ Kiva and in the Native American Church. He currently is working on the establishment of Sacred Ground. Nine years ago on a piece of land on Interstate 40 near Knoxville, he set the first Totem. Now there are four totems; the base for the first indigenous memorial (220 feet long); a community center, complete with restaurant; an art gallery; a gift shop; a 55 foot medicine wheel; and a 1000 foot red path.
P.O. Box 59
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:k7RHSppqfbUJ:www.nativepages.com/opendoor/index.php/contacts-resources/active-tn-organizations/+PeSheWa+%2B+Shawnee&cd=7&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us


Most of what I could find ties Jerry Dills/PeSheWa to his Native American Church in Tennessee. Was thinking that maybe someone could contact the real Native American Church, to discuss what Dills has been doing. I don't think that they would look kindly on him bastardizing their beliefs.


Edit to add: The page for Mending the Hoop can only be reached thru the cached version. If you click the link for the current version, you get this message:

Quote
To the visitor coming from: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4HPIC_enUS306US306&q=PeSheWa+%2B+Shawnee&start=0&sa=N Who's IP address is: xx.xxx.xx.xxx You've really done it now. Look what you've done. You've broken the Internet. Tsk tsk tsk. And all because you tried to sneak in the back door to get what? A file? Shame on you! You should go wash your sneaky little hands right now before you decide to e-mail your mother. And don't you dare try that again. BTW, you are trying to access a forbidden page. Your IP address has been logged. Keep it up, and I'll complain to your ISP provider.

Yeah, like that message is going to stop anyone. I deleted my IP for obvious reasons.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 02:49:48 am
I have just spent the last 2 hours on the phone with silver star.

Wow. All I can say. I have nothing further to add to this thread. I know beyond anything, I have done the right thing here. I am still absorbing what has happened here. A lot has been cleared up, a lot has been shared. There are no more words I can put on what just took place. I have absolute clarity on this issue.

I will let my posts, and all that will flow from that, stand as is.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 04:13:53 am
EDIT/DELETION: I had originally provided directions and a google map in the post to Dills' church which is also his home, located less than 1/2 mile from the "sacred grounds." However, as innocent individuals are still located there I have decided to delete this information from the public thread at this time.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 02:54:09 pm
This will be a rather long post, so my apologies to all up front for that. The matters I will share in this post are directly relevant to the misdeeds of Jerry Dills and what I present here is factual, and can be verified by independent sources. I will also name the individuals and sources that can be used to verify this information you are about to read.

To the moderators of this forum: I will use some very strong language in this post, but ask that it not be edited, and remain as I have posted it.

Before I begin, I wish to comment on my use of words. I will, from this point forward, try to refrain from using words like “spiritual,” “spirit,” “psychic,” “metaphysical,” “pray” and so forth. Words carry power and can have different meanings for different people. It is my hope that all those reading this post, and the posts which come before this one, can look past the words into the heart of the matter at hand.

Also, I will not post any more information derived from observation or conversation. I will post only information that can be independently verified by public records, or living persons, and I will cite all in this post.

Firstly, regarding the issue of polygamy. Jerry Dills' has two wives and has for many years. My initial approach to this thread was to exclude those who I considered to be innocents, however, I now cannot not name these individuals now as they are clearly complacent in the extensive damage that has been done to lots of people. To put it very bluntly: They are participants in destroying many lives. Jerry Dills has two wives (that I know about) who still live together in the same house, in the same bed: Marion Dills, his first wife, is his “Christian” wife and they hold a valid marriage certificate, I believe, from South Carolina. Melanie Peshewa is his “Indian” wife, and there is no marriage certificate. They were married in an “Indian” ceremony which Dills himself conducted. The primary reason was that Marion was unable to have children. (It was a surprise to all that Marion did later bear Shakra, her only child.) The record will show that Dills' first child, Shanti Peshwa, was fathered by Jerry Neal Dills and the mother Melanie Peshewa. His second child, Shakra Peshewa, was fathered by Dr. Macaki Peshewa and the mother is Marion Dills. All his other legitimate children were fathered by Jerry Neal Dills and Melanie Peshewa as mother. These children are now mostly adults, in their mid-to-late 20's, and I consider them all to be victims here. His youngest child is 7 now, I believe, and with other siblings remains in his household. All the children are innocent victims.

Jerry will freely flaunt to those who know him, his lifestyle, and in-your-face “fuck you I'm Indian” mentality to justify having two wives. However, on paper, Dills has done everything he can to hide his polygamy from the public record. On paper, it will show that Melanie Peshewa and Macaki Peshewa are brother and sister, which is bullshit. The are in fact husband and wife. To further obscure the truth, all the Peshewa children who were mothered by Melanie Peshewa, were legally adopted by Marion Dills. On paper, this makes it appear that Marion adopted all those children fathered by Jerry Dills, her legal husband, on paper, while Jerry Dills was married or connected with Melanie Peshewa. For Shakra, the story is Macaki Peshwa and Marion Dills were the parents. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. Wow those are good ones there. All the matters stated in this paragraph can be independently verified through public documents, including the birth certificates of his children, as well as the adoption papers (which may not be public?), in which the lie of the brother-sister relationship of Melanie and Macaki Peshewa is put forth. That is a lie. Put this side-by-side with the birth certificate of Shanti Peshewa, which as stated, obscures the fact that Macaki Peshewa is the father (using the name Jerry Dills on that certificate). On paper it all looks nice and makes sense. But, once you understand that Jerry Dills and Macaki Peshewa are the same person... hmmm... well now the paperwork looks really funny for sure: Let me get this straight: Jerry is hiding the polygamy by ... hmmm ... documenting that his first son and other children is the result of an incestuous relationship between him and his sister? I'm not sure which sounds better?? Almost funny, in a sad way.

Dills also has several illegitimate children born by other women out of wedlock. These are innocents and will not be named here. To those familiar with the Strawberry Plains area, go have a chat with Sue at the Bait Shop. She's their mom.

I was initially trying to refrain from naming Dills' wives or children, initially to protect them. However, his wives are complacent in inflicting damage on lots of young, misguided, wannabes who thirsted for some knowledge and a sense of purpose in life, of which I admit I was one, but no longer am, and of which Jerry Dills preys upon (present tense intended) for his own twisted intent. His wives love Jerry and it is out of that love that they are so misguided.

Jerry has six legitimate children by 2 wives, and several illegitimate children by at least one woman, that I know about, and quite possibly more that I don't know about. I had heard through the grapevine that he has fathered 12 children, both legitimate and illegitimate. I only know of the 2 illegitimate kids. They are, in fact, victims here, of a highly deranged person who has built his own peyote and sex cult.

Here are some individuals who know Jerry Dills very well, some who are highly respected, some who are unknown and, while they all will be upset (to put it mildly) by being named in this post, will not lie for Jerry, or anyone for that matter. A few of these people are completely unaware of the misdeeds and lies and still hold Jerry in high regard, to some degree. However, they ALL know of the polygamy, and quite possibly, the peyote. Some can be located immediately, others will need to be tracked down or step forward on their own:

Earl Nash: Earl is a black man living in the Knoxville community and is well known and well respected. He served on city council many years ago, and has known Jerry Dills for decades. I know Earl Nash and he is a kind, good hearted man, a man of faith. Earl is probably in his late 70's or early 80s by now, and to meet him, he looks like he's 50. This guy is an amazing human being and I am glad to have known him, and equally sorry that Jerry's lies have been told to him not only about me, but about himself. Jerry hates “niggers” Earl. Get a grip. He has used you, Earl, for his twisted  intent probably more than anyone else I know of. While Earl will be very pissed off at being named here, he will not lie on any of these matters. He knows Jerry is a polygamist, but defers to the Indian religion which allows that, apparently, so Earl has been told. Guess what Earl: polygamy is illegal, even for American Indians. I think Jerry forgot to tell you that.

Jim Lee: Jim owns and operates Tax Professionals in Knoxville, TN and has prepared Dills' personal and corporate taxes for decades, and does so to this day. He also is a good man, a kind hearted and gentle man, and too, will be pissed at being named here, but will not lie to anyone on these matters. Jim is also well known and well respected in the Knoxville community and, like Earl Nash, has a great deal of credibility. Jim has visited and been a guest in Jerry's homes dozens of times over the years. A man of faith, I do not believe he will lie for Jerry Dills. But only if asked for the truth.

William A. Hotz: Bill Hotz is a well known and respected attorney in Knoxville. He has known Jerry for decades and has helped Jerry at various times with legal and corporate matters. I know Bill personally but have not seen him in 20 years. Bill has a good heart, is a good man and is of the Jewish faith. I know for sure Bill is unaware of the misdeeds and spelled out here. I also know Bill has been to Jerry's house on many occasions and can speak to the truths outlined here. To Bill: You have no idea, my friend, how you have been used. Wake up. Take a look. And if asked, tell the truths you know. I have no reason to believe that you will, or ever have knowingly, lied for Jerry Dills. But Jerry has used you in many lies. Bill, time to stop being used.

Sandy Graves: Sandy is Jerry's nephew and was being groomed to be the next leader of the Native American Church. They had a falling out when Jerry used Sandy as the bag man to move hundreds of thousands of dollars from the bingo game in South Carolina to Dills' pocket. Sandy did not take one dime out of that game for himself. When the federal scrutiny came down on that operation, Sandy got quite pissed at being in the middle due to his love and loyalty to Jerry Dills. They had a falling out over this and have not spoken since. The statute of limitations has since passed on any illegal activities there, Sandy, so you can now be free to step forward. I have no idea where Sandy is to this day. If he can be located, or stumbles into this thread, he too is a person with a good heart, a good mind, and he will not lie for his uncle Jerry any more.

Norman Graves: Norman is Sandy's father, and here I will apologize in advance for a very painful memory that must be re-told here. To Sandy and Norman, please forgive me. But Norman's children were mothered by Janell English (now deceased), Jerry's blood sister, and Jerry helped to raise his nephews. When Jerry took over the bingo game in Memphis, Tennessee, Jerry installed several nephews to control things. One nephew, Kelley, was 19 years old and was put in charge of the concessions stand there, which Jerry owned silently in the background (he also owned the whole bingo game for that matter, but that is a side issue for now). Anyway, Kelley was very young and confused and under a great deal of pressure. The bingo game ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One Sunday evening, just as the doors opened, Kelley committed suicide by shooting himself in the heart. I was there. I know. Others named here in this post were also there. They know. Steve Lohrey was there. Cubert Bell was there. Days before Kelley had been feverishly writing letters and I asked his what he was doing. “I'm writing to friends and family I haven't written to in a while” he told me. He spent all day writing letters. Lots of letters. Days after his death the letters started hitting, and they were in fact suicide letters. Norman Graves, his father, received one of those letters. Norman could not handle the truth and told everyone that his son had died accidentally while cleaning his gun. This is the same lie that Jerry Dills tells. Not true. To Norman I tell you this: I, among others, warned Jerry at least a month in advance that something was going to happen, that Kelley was not able to handle the pressure, that something was going on. I personally told Jerry, in several phone calls, that Kelly was having problems with the pressure (we all lived at the bingo hall and it was indeed a pressure cooker) and I actually told Jerry, myself, that I thought Kelley would hurt himself. Now let me take a side-bar here: I have already stated above that I would not convey conversations that can't be validated, but this is the one exception I make in this post, because these words are for Norman Graves specifically. Norman, I told Jerry that I thought Kelley was going going to have an accident, like a tumble down some stairs, or cut himself while cutting a tomato, something like that. I was definitely picking up on something about to happen, and shared it with Jerry, as did Steve Lohrey (named below, following) on numerous occasions. I never, ever saw suicide. I did not see that coming. But Jerry was warned, repeatedly. Jerry did nothing, turned a deaf ear, because he wanted those dollars that Kelley was sending his way every week. Later, after Kelley was buried, and I was at Jerry's house, Jerry told me he had committed a “sin of omission.” BULLSHIT. As far as I am concerned, Kelley's death is squarely on Jerry Dills. Period. Norman, if you are located or stumble into this, and read my words, please stop lying to yourself. Please stop blaming yourself. You know the truth because you received one of the letters from Kelley. I know what is in those letters. And stop blaming yourself for Kelley's death, as I know you were trying to get Kelley to send money to you instead of to Jerry. Yes I know that is what is in those letters. You are not to blame. Kelley was confused and torn between the love and loyalty between his uncle and you. He was a lost soul and Jerry could give a damn. You must forgive yourself and see for truth how Jerry used your son for his own intent, and it cost Kelley his life. Had Jerry heeded the many warnings, it is my belief that Kelley would be alive today. I honestly believe that with all my heart.

Kelley's death can be verified by a search of the Commercial Appeal newpaper in Memphis. I do not remember the date of death. I believe he was buried in Arkansas, where Norman resided (still does?) at the time. It is a blur to me. That was a definite turning point for me as I clearly saw Jerry's deceit and lies and the real effects and real harm they could have. They could not be hidden from my view any longer. As stated, I was there. I know. I saw. Jerry too has told the lie about the “accident.” Bullshit. All total fabricated bullshit. Let me be very clear here: Jerry Dills' inaction contributed in a direct way to Kelley's suicide. Period. End of story.

Shanti Peshewa: Shanti is Jerry Dills' first born, and his only legitimate son. Shanti was given peyote at age 4. Is this a practice of the Native American Church, to give peyote to children? If located he will tell you this story himself. I do not know where Shanti is but had a conversation with him some time back, several years ago, when we sat for lunch together and brought each other up to date. That was another chance meeting where I just happened to meet him at a local church where I was visiting with a friend (I am not a member of any organized church). He had already left his father at that time and adopted the Christian faith, having been saved by Jesus Christ, much to Jerry's displeasure. I have not seen or communicated with him since. If he can be located, he will not lie for his father. He has a story to tell. That's for sure.

Tom Wilkinson: I personally feel for Tom more than anyone else cited here, because he lives in the situation and has done so since he was a young university student. Tom is still intimately tied to the Native American Church, and his home phone is actually listed on many of Dills' websites. You will pass Tom's house when you enter the driveway to Dills' "church." I know that Tom began questioning Jerry's misdeeds years ago but also know Tom is blinded by love and loyalty for Dills. Tom's son, Joey, is also tied to the church and is I fear, a lost soul. Tom, to you I say, listen to your inner truth. The light that still shines in you. See it. It is yours alone. It is not Jerry's. I know you very well, my friend, and you have a tough row to hoe here. You know exactly what I am talking about. Step up. Do the right thing. Stop being complacent. You have seen, with your own eyes, lives being destroyed. Over and over and over. Why do you turn a blind eye and a deaf ear? You own son is being destroyed. You can live with that? You have some deep issues here and I know your heart.

Steven Lohrey: Steve met Jerry as a student at the University of Tennessee in the mid-to-late 1970s. Steve participated in many peyote ceremonies. Steve was the manager of  Tennessee Indian bingo and knows all the matters presented in this thread to be truthful. Steve was one of those who was subpoenaed by the federal Grand Jury in Nashville in the mid-1980s who was also shielded from testifying by the very powerful attorney Lionel Barret. For the record, Jerry Dills, Steven Lohrey, and Fritz Niggeler (deceased) were subpoenaed. Lionel Barret shielded them all from testifying by informing the grand jury that they would all plead the “5th Amendment” to all questions, thereby wasting the jury's time. Grand Juries don't like that and will not waste their time with that crap as any good attorney knows. If Lionel only knew how he was complacent in allowing this fraud and deception and harm to real people to continue, he may have taken, and still may take, a different stance here. But Lionel is an attorney and truth has little to do with his actions. It's all about power for Lionel, and he is a very powerful man. I do not know Lionel, but I do know Steve Lohrey. Steve had a falling out with Jerry, also over bingo, but they have kissed and made up. All I can say to Steve Lohrey is, you are a good man, I know your heart, and if asked, do the right thing. The statute of limitations has long since passed and you, too, have been complacent in damaging the lives of dozens of people. You, above all others named here, need to step up to the plate if asked.

Frank Estes: I do not know where Frank is. He was the person who put together The Indian Reader publications which Jerry and his cohorts hid behind. Frank designed and laid out those newspapers and wrote most of the articles under other names. I was there and watched him do that. I also think he was involved with Native American Indian Media corp because I remember he did film work of some kind. Jerry likes to tell the tale of pushing Frank out of the church and tells a horrible story about Frank that to those listening, sounds believable. Take your pick: He told folks Frank was a) a rapist; b) a child molester; c) a thief; or d) any combination of a,b and c that sounds good to whoever is listening to the bullshit of the day. I knew Frank and know that he too is a good hearted man, and I was there when he left the church. He left the church voluntarily (the same as me) and was not pushed out as Dills likes to tell. As far as I know, he and I were the only ones to leave on our own, while others were pushed out the door when they began to see and question the bullshit. I asked him about this when I bumped into him by chance at Home Depot years later and he laughed it off. He told me he was aware of the lies and all he told me was the truth would someday come out. He and I had coffee together that day and I have never seen him since. That was probably in 2001 or 2002 and he had just divorced his wife and was very sad and heartbroken about that. Frank is a good man. I know.

Steve Stormer: Steve was also an apprentice of Jerry and in fact lives right next door to Jerry still, to this day (next driveway past Jerry's and Tom's on Oscar Armstrong Road). Steve is a good man, has a good heart, may not be the brightest bulb in the pack, but will not lie on behalf of Jerry Dills. He too participated in peyote ceremonies and his son was also given peyote at a very very young age, I believe, 5 or 6. Steve Stormer is also a godly man, whether he knows it himself or not. I see him as such, anyway.

Bruce Torbett: I have no idea where Bruce is today but he too, or his son, may stumble into this thread. Bruce was a member of the church and also participated in numerous peyote ceremonies. Bruce is a decorated Vietnam veteran and was forced to live in poverty, squalid conditions by Jerry. Jerry forced him out of the church when Bruce's then-teenage son, Jody, wanted to date one of Jerry's then-teenage daughters, and Jerry would have absolutely none of that, not wanting his daughter to associate with “that kind of person.” That was in the mid-1990s. If Bruce or Jody can be located, they will also not lie for Jerry Dills.

Eugene Hager: I do not think Eugene still lives, but if he is alive, he was one of the few real “skins” that hung around Jerry. He was an elderly man when I knew him, and he too was forced to live in squalor by Jerry. Jerry used Eugene as one of the many public faces of the church to perform dances, shake the rattles, and to do all the things that non-Indians expected to see when they visited and wanted to see “real” Indians. Eugene was a good hearted man. If he is deceased, then his nephew, Patrick (cannot remember his last name) will tell the truths I tell here. I do not remember the tribal association of Eugene. However, Jerry Dills had set up Eugene with his own Corporation, and you will find Eugene's name listed on the one of the many google search results for Indian organizations in Tennessee.

Cubert Bell: Cubert is a Choctaw who resides is West Tennessee and is a highly respected member of the Choctaw Nation. Cubert will be HIGHLY PISSED about being named here. Jerry helped Cubert both personally and in business, but Cubert has a good heat and is one of the kindest human beings I have had the pleasure to know. I am also sorry, Cubert, for the lies and deceit that you have been handed. Cubert knows Jerry very well, for decades, and was involved with the Tennessee Indian Council before and after Jerry's overthrow of the board of directors. But I know for truth that Cubert is unaware of many of the misdeeds spelled out in this thread. If only Cubert knew. Well, if he reads these words, he will. Cubert has been in Jerry's home countless times. If asked, he will not lie for Jerry.

Roger Crowe: Roger Crowe is deceased, however, I believe his widow can share his story. Roger was a registered member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, was born and raised on the reservation there in North Carolina, a member of the Longhair Clan. Roger was directly involved in helping form the “sacred grounds” and it was he who carved the first totem poles found there. Roger was forced out of the church when Roger began having doubts and openly questioning Jerry in front of his family. I bumped into Roger quite by chance, in the EDIT early 2000s late 1990s, when he was set up selling his art in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (Roger was an amazing stone carver. The real deal). Roger told me the story of the lie being told about him: that he had raped Melanie Peshewa. Kind of a familiar theme there, huh? I told Roger the lies being told about me. Roger and I got caught up to date and had a good chuckle over this. Roger fathered two children by his first wife, Eva, who was a registered member of one of the Six Nation's tribes (cannot remember which one) and who, I believe, still runs a crafts shop in East Towne Mall in Knoxville (now called “Knoxville Centre”). I think the name of her shop is, or was, “Crystal Wonders” [EDIT:] “Crystal Visions” there at Knoxville Centre. Eva met Jerry and always thought he was full of shit. Eva was also the real deal. Roger's second wife, his widow, I cannot remember her name, but she can be located through the Eastern Band of Cherokee because she was listed as his surviving spouse in the obituary. I'm pretty sure Roger was interred on the Cherokee Reservation. Roger died of stomach cancer. Roger also knew and respected Rossi.

John Paul CutThroat: John is a Lakota Sioux from South Dakota. I barely knew John but he hung around enough to see Jerry's bullshit first hand. And I know John Paul is as hard core as they come. If he can be located he will have story of his own to tell. I think he hangs around Pine Ridge Reservation but am not sure if that is the right reservation he calls home. John Paul was an artist, a painter and stone carver too (after he met Roger Crowe and Roger showed him his craft). But he for sure is registered with the Lakota. A good man.

Etta Curly: Etta is a Navajo from the reservation. She was Bruce Torbett's girlfriend for a while, and also dated Roger Crowe before Roger was pushed out and met the women who became his second wife. I have no idea how to contact Etta but she is a registered member of the Navajo Nation. She too has a story to tell. I believe Etta is still alive but have not seen or spoken to her in 20 years.

Myself: For now I wish to remain unnamed. I have no illusions that my life is in jeopardy. However, I have nothing to lose here, nothing to gain. I have no children; I have no family; my mother is dying of lung cancer and will not be here much longer. I have made her aware of what I am doing in this thread and she actually thinks it's funny. She never liked Jerry anyway. If  I am murdered because of this, well, ok. Am I being reactionary here? Yes. Absolutely. I would like to live a long life and die of natural causes. Who wouldn't? But upon my voluntary departure from the Native American Church, Jerry issued a death promise – not a threat – a promise to me. I have no reason to believe he will not try to make good on that promise, save for the fact that Rossi's protection was for forever. If I am murdered, oh well, just add that to the long list of misdeeds of Jerry Neal Dills. I'm not worried. I have been blessed in life in this way: I never went to sleep. I have always maintained my awareness and never let that go nor did I let assholes like Jerry Dills take that away from me. I will take that into death with me. Fully Aware. Stupid, maybe. Gullible, definitely. But Aware. Always aware.

After joining this thread I had considered taking these matters to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, but have opted not to because, well, I don't think they give a damn. My experience with FBI and TBI is that they are idiots who don't give a damn except for their own political agenda or as tools to be used by those in power. Hand them a case on a silver platter and they might, maybe, take an interest <yawn>. I will point out, the strange irony here, that the TBI is now headquartered at I-40 Exit 398, the very same exit you take to go visit Jerry and his fake Native American Church peyote cult. So, if TBI ever gets off its ass and decided to actually do something, well, they don't have far to drive, do they? Considering how lazy they are at TBI, I doubt they will drive the 2 miles to go even have an interview. If FBI or TBI does finally do something (highly doubtful) I have no problem being interviewed or testifying before a grand jury in these matters. Whatever. Who cares? I make myself available to them, but as stated, I don't think they give a damn. So, I have not approached them. Maybe they will stumble into this post and take exception to being called idiots, and prove me otherwise. Ok you TBI idiots. You reading this? Maybe I can goad you into taking an interest, but I will not plop this into your lap. Stop eating donuts and go earn a living for a change. What more can I add to piss off the TBI? I think the donut thing should do it. You think? Naaah...

So, for myself personally, I think it would be awfully funny if a boatload of real members of the real Native American Church showed up at Jerry's door and let him conduct a peyote ceremony and smoke pot and snoot cocaine. Boy, I would love to be a fly on the wall of that one, but then that's just me and my warped sense of humor.

To those named in this post: I apologize to you, you all knew/know me personally and I am sorry for the lies and twisted truths you have all been told. Enough is enough. But all of you, all I have named, through your silence, have been a part of perpetuating these lies, these myths, and enlarging the the ego of a very, very sick, perverted and deranged person. If you are approached about these truths, look in the mirror, in your own eyes, and know that you have been complacent in damaging dozens of lives. Please do so no more. Tell the truths as you know them to be. All the rest will take care of itself.

So, to Jerry Dills, I say: Deal with this bombshell of truth, you asshole.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: educatedindian on January 19, 2010, 06:05:43 pm

1. To the moderators of this forum: I will use some very strong language in this post, but ask that it not be edited, and remain as I have posted it.

2. I will post only information that can be independently verified by public records, or living persons, and I will cite all in this post.

3. Firstly, regarding the issue of polygamy. Jerry Dills' has two wives and has for many years....Jerry will freely flaunt to those who know him, his lifestyle, and in-your-face “fuck you I'm Indian” mentality to justify having two wives. However, on paper, Dills has done everything he can to hide his polygamy from the public record....Dills also has several illegitimate children born by other women out of wedlock.

4. Sandy Graves: Sandy is Jerry's nephew and was being groomed to be the next leader of the Native American Church. They had a falling out when Jerry used Sandy as the bag man to move hundreds of thousands of dollars from the bingo game in South Carolina to Dills' pocket. Sandy did not take one dime out of that game for himself. When the federal scrutiny came down on that operation, Sandy got quite pissed at being in the middle due to his love and loyalty to Jerry Dills. They had a falling out over this and have not spoken since. The statute of limitations has since passed on any illegal activities there, Sandy, so you can now be free to step forward. I have no idea where Sandy is to this day. If he can be located, or stumbles into this thread, he too is a person with a good heart, a good mind, and he will not lie for his uncle Jerry any more.

5. Norman Graves: ....One nephew, Kelley, was 19 years old and was put in charge of the concessions stand there, which Jerry owned silently in the background (he also owned the whole bingo game for that matter, but that is a side issue for now). Anyway, Kelley was very young and confused and under a great deal of pressure. The bingo game ran Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One Sunday evening, just as the doors opened, Kelley committed suicide by shooting himself in the heart....
Kelley's death can be verified by a search of the Commercial Appeal newpaper in Memphis. I do not remember the date of death. I believe he was buried in Arkansas, where Norman resided (still does?) at the time. It is a blur to me. That was a definite turning point for me as I clearly saw Jerry's deceit and lies and the real effects and real harm they could have. They could not be hidden from my view any longer. As stated, I was there. I know. I saw. Jerry too has told the lie about the “accident.” Bullshit. All total fabricated bullshit. Let me be very clear here: Jerry Dills' inaction contributed in a direct way to Kelley's suicide. Period. End of story.

6. Shanti Peshewa: Shanti is Jerry Dills' first born, and his only legitimate son. Shanti was given peyote at age 4. Is this a practice of the Native American Church, to give peyote to children?

7. Steven Lohrey:....Steve was one of those who was subpoenaed by the federal Grand Jury in Nashville in the mid-1980s who was also shielded from testifying by the very powerful attorney Lionel Barret. For the record, Jerry Dills, Steven Lohrey, and Fritz Niggeler (deceased) were subpoenaed. Lionel Barret shielded them all from testifying by informing the grand jury that they would all plead the “5th Amendment” to all questions....

8. Eugene Hager:....Jerry Dills had set up Eugene with his own Corporation, and you will find Eugene's name listed on the one of the many google search results for Indian organizations in Tennessee.

9. Roger Crowe: Roger Crowe is deceased, however, I believe his widow can share his story. Roger was a registered member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, was born and raised on the reservation there in North Carolina, a member of the Longhair Clan. Roger was directly involved in helping form the “sacred grounds” and it was he who carved the first totem poles found there. Roger was forced out of the church when Roger began having doubts and openly questioning Jerry in front of his family....

10. Myself: For now I wish to remain unnamed. I have no illusions that my life is in jeopardy....If  I am murdered because of this, well, ok. Am I being reactionary here? Yes. Absolutely. I would like to live a long life and die of natural causes. Who wouldn't? But upon my voluntary departure from the Native American Church, Jerry issued a death promise – not a threat – a promise to me. I have no reason to believe he will not try to make good on that promise, save for the fact that Rossi's protection was for forever. If I am murdered, oh well, just add that to the long list of misdeeds of Jerry Neal Dills....

11. After joining this thread I had considered taking these matters to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, but have opted not to because, well, I don't think they give a damn....

There's quite a bit to respond to and I've only pointed to the most salient points, esp ones needing further investigation or verification. It's something I frankly never expected. The so called NAC of Strawberry Plains had been discussed off and on at NAFPS almost from the beginning and never had we any hint it was much more than a white wannabe who'd snatched the domain name before anyone legit from the actual NAC could get it.

1. No we won't edit your post, but there are some things that need clearing up. I'm not saying we doubt you, just that to convince the public, proof is needed.

2. That is exactly what is needed, to be better able to warn the public and in some instances, prosecute if possible.

3. I'm not sure how relevant this is to much of anything, unless it's part of a pattern of abuse, or pretending to be something he's not. There are still some polygamous NDNs in some places if someone knew where to look, though obviously not recognized under the law. Same with kids outside of marriage. Only abuse or neglect of his kids is relevant.

4. We badly need sources on that fed investigation. Court records and news stories online would be the easiest way.

5. Again, sources on the death are badly needed.

6. Giving peyote to a kid is as wrong as can be.

7 and 8. Again, records are needed.

9. If possible, is there a way to contact the widow?

10. For anyone who fears threats or possible violence, take all reasonable precautions for your own safety. That includes informing the police. While they may not be able to protect you, at least it's on the record in case something does happen. And that itself may protect you a bit.

We will absolutely NOT reveal your identity if that could lead to any harm to you. We have never broken that confidence in all the years we've been around.

11. The feds are overwhelmed and understand very little of these cases. They don't prosecute spiritual abuser and exploiters, just those who break other laws like assault or theft. It looks as though the feds have already tried to get them once before. It may be the most we can do is spread the news far and wide about the harm that this group did before so fewer people are harmed.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 06:24:23 pm
Educated Indian:

Thanks for your reply. I will do my best to do some research and post it here. This will take me some time to do.

I will being the process of research today. This will take time. I will post in bits and pieces here as I am able to find these things. Like you guys, I have to eat and do things to survive and this is all on my spare time. But as you can tell, I am dedicated and have no reason to blink.

For now I believe I have protected myself enough to blur who I am. If the NAFPS folks are approached by these agencies, please release the contact information I have already provided to you, to them. You have me permission to do so. I will not contact them directly. I will let them contact me. But as far as I am concerned, they need to take the first step. If I approach them I will just be another whiny-assed wannabe who deserved what he got. Let them interview these folks I've named here. [EDIT] In addition, a 22-year old death threat that has not been acted on will have little weight at this time.

I will be back as I am able and post my findings here, but only if supported by links, documents, etc. Some of this may involve a trip to Tennessee for me. I will do my best.

My findings may be posted in no particular order, but I will also adhere to the number system you outlined above, to keep things glued together for all reading this stuff.

For starters, let me dispel with item #3 and #6:

3. I'm not sure how relevant this is to much of anything, unless it's part of a pattern of abuse, or pretending to be something he's not. There are still some polygamous NDNs in some places if someone knew where to look, though obviously not recognized under the law. Same with kids outside of marriage. Only abuse or neglect of his kids is relevant.

Regarding the multiple wives, I am aware that this is still in practice by legitimate, real Indians and wish no harm upon them or to shine a light in that respect. [EDIT] This information was presented primary to show a pattern of deception by Jerry Dills. There are issues of abuse involved however I cannot speak to that at this time and would prefer that individuals with first-hand knowledge would come forth voluntarily. If I can dig up contact information, can someone here contact them and conduct interviews?

6. Giving peyote to a kid is as wrong as can be.

Find and locate Shanti Peshewa who told me this himself some years ago. Also visit Steven Stormer. Also Tom Wilkinson's son may have something to add, although he may not be willing to come forward. Interview these individuals if possible. I am unable to do this without revealing myself. This needs to be done independently by a third party.

More to follow as I am able...

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 06:51:55 pm
Item #8 Eugene Hager

Quote
#139 Tennessee Band of Cherokee (ca. 1999; same as above?)
Eugene Hagar, Audrey Little, Knoxville
http://cita.chattanooga.org/TNNAorgs.html

Note that Eugene's name is misspelled. It is correctly spelled Eugene Hager.

I will also try to obtain records from the TN Secretary of State.

EducatedIndian, please also refer to my post #4 in this thread (page 1 of this thread). I will also try to pull corporate documents for all those corporations mentioned. This may require a trip to Nashville...

What I will attempt to show with these corporate documents is the web of corporations used by Jerry Dills to reflect and reference themselves, as indicated in post #4, and that the same people are involved in these companies from the same address...


[EDIT/UPDATE/ADDITION:] This took some tracking due to a typo error in the company name. Here is the corporate information. This was Dills' corporation with Eugene Hager as the face on the company:

TENNESSEE BANK OF CHEROKEES, INC. [sic]
was actually supposed to be Tennessee Band of Cherokees, Inc.
dissloved by TN Secretary of State, 1987


http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000115873
Quote
Name:     TENNESSEE BANK OF CHEROKEES, INC.
Old Name:    
   
Business Type:    
Status:    Inactive - Dissolved (Administrative)    Initial Filing:    04/29/1982
Formed in:    Knox County    Delayed Effective Date:    
Fiscal Year Close:    April    AR Due Date:    08/01/1988
Term of Duration:    Perpetual    Inactive Date:    12/31/1987
Principal Office:    ROUTE 2
STRAWBERRY PLN, TN 378710000 USA

Annual Report
Mailing Address:    1801 JEFFERSON AVENU
KNOXVILLE, TN 379170000 USA
AR Exempt:    No
Shares of Stock:    0

REGISTERED AGENT NAME: HOTZ, WILLIAM A

Note that Eugene Hager was NOT Cherokee. He was the face put on that company by Jerry Dills.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 08:58:55 pm
#5. Again, sources on the death are badly needed.

This will be more difficult to track down than I thought. I have called Memphis Coroner's Office, Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Vital Records, and TN Vital Records. Since I do not remember the exact date this incident happened, I cannot pinpoint the article in the Commercial Appeal which referenced this. It was printed way back in section B as I recall. I believe this happened in summer 1988 but cannot recall for sure, and may be off by a season? The newspaper does not have online records gong back that far nor does it keep its own archives. The only archive of that newspaper exists on microfilm at only one library that I have been able to track down, the Benjamin Hooks Central Library in Memphis, which is 500+ miles from me. Being on microfilm there is no index, just each day's issue of the paper. The Vital Statics offices will not release any information to me without a date, or I can pay an hourly fee for research.

Nor have I been able to locate an online obituary, which would be in Pine Bluff, AR as I recall. Again, mostly due to the older date which is not in any searchable database. The State of TN Vital Records will perform a search for me based on the name and location, however, it is expensive to pay a researcher ($15 per hour) and I do not have the resources. Also, at best I would only receive a Validation of Death, which would not contain anything other than the name and date of death. As I am not related to the deceased, I cannot obtain a copy of the death certificate. If I could at least pin down the exact date, the rest would be easier to locate, primarily the brief news article that appeared. I am sorry that my memory of that event is not specific as to date which was about 22+/- years ago.


#7 Again, records are needed.

This too may be difficult for the same reasons. The Commercial Appeal and The Tennessean had numerous articles on this topic but both papers do not have searchable archives back to the 1980s. The Tennessean only goes back to December 2002. I phoned that paper and spoke with their archivist, and he was kind but could not offer any help because they are understaffed. He referred me to the microfilm archive at the Nashville Public Library, which is 350 miles from me. That library also charges $15 per hour for research.

Wow this will be much more difficult that I may be able to do on my own... ???
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 09:20:29 pm
4. We badly need sources on that fed investigation. Court records and news stories online would be the easiest way.

This information came when silver star and I compared notes by phone last night. I had heard that this had occurred, silver star confirmed being there when this happened. However, I am unable to locate any reference to this through any google search I can come up with. I also checked the SC Administrative Law Judge proceedings and found no reference. This will have to be validated by those who were there.

Since I am not an investigator and was not a party to the license or permit, my contact with the SC Secretary of State was fruitless: any such records are not available to me, it appears.

I am seeing that I am not so well equipped to engage in this archival research. I will continue to see what I can dig up.


9. If possible, is there a way to contact the widow?

I have searched the Eastern Band of Cherokee websites and cannot find any reference to Roger Crowe's obituary. I believe he passed away in 1998+/-. [EDIT] I have learned that the store his ex-wife worked at is no longer in operation at the mall. I had the name of the store wrong and have corrected that earlier post here. I have initiated some emails in an attempt to locate his widow.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 10:23:39 pm
Here is a preliminary search of Jerry Dills' corporations:

[EDIT/ADDITION:] To clarify, please note that in the 1990s the location was known as Strawberry Plains with a zip code of 37871. When the E-911 service was installed in the mid-to-late 1990s the area was re-designated as Knoxville, TN with a 37914 zip code. The physical location is Knox County. The PO Boxes are in Strawberry Plains, TN which is in Jefferson County. However, the Oscar Armstrong Road address is the same physical location and has never changed.

TENNESSEE INDIAN COUNCIL, INC.
Tennessee Indian Council was administratively dissolved by TN Secretary of State in 1991

http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000085505
Quote
000085505: Corporation Non-Profit - Domestic
 
Name:    TENNESSEE INDIAN COUNCIL, INC.
Old Name:    TENNESSEE INDIAN CENTER, INC.
   
Business Type:    
Status:    Inactive - Dissolved (Administrative)    Initial Filing:    08/13/1976
Formed in:    Davidson County    Delayed Effective Date:    
Fiscal Year Close:    December    AR Due Date:    04/01/1992
Term of Duration:    Perpetual    Inactive Date:    04/26/1991
Principal Office:    1018 OSCAR ARMSTRONG
ROAD
KNOXVILLE, TN 37914 USA

Annual Report
Mailing Address:    1018 OSCAR ARMSTRONG
KNOXVILLE, TN 379140000 USA
AR Exempt:    No
Public Benefit Corporation:    Yes    

REGISTERED AGENT NAME: HOTZ, WILLIAM A


NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN MEDIA CORPORATION
charter revoked by TN Secretary of State 1991

http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000130935
Quote
000130935: Corporation Non-Profit - Foreign
 
Name:    NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN MEDIA CORPORATION
Old Name:    NATIVE AMERICAN INDIANS IN MEDIA, CORPORATION
Foreign Name:    
Business Type:    
Status:    Inactive - Revoked (Administrative)    Initial Filing:    07/21/1983
Formed in:    South Carolina    Delayed Effective Date:    
Fiscal Year Close:    July    AR Due Date:    11/01/1990
Term of Duration:    Perpetual    Inactive Date:    04/26/1991
Principal Office:    PO BX 671 2901 BUNCO
GREENVILLE, SC 296020000 USA
Annual Report
Mailing Address:    PO BOX 59
STRAWBERRY PL>, TN 378710000 USA

AR Exempt:    No
Public Benefit Corporation:    Yes

REGISTERED AGENT NAME: HOTZ, WILLIAM A



NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH, INC.
Two corporations were filed, one for profit (dissolved) one non profit:

http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000100173
Quote
000100173: Corporation For-Profit - Domestic
 
Name:    NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH, INC.
Old Name:    
   
Business Type:    
Status:    Inactive - Dissolved (Administrative)    Initial Filing:    01/23/1981
Formed in:    Jefferson County    Delayed Effective Date:    
Fiscal Year Close:    January    AR Due Date:    05/01/1989
Term of Duration:    Perpetual    Inactive Date:    09/15/1989
Principal Office:    RT 4 OSCAR ARMSTRONG
STRAWPLAINS, TN 378710000 USA

Annual Report
Mailing Address:    RT 4 OSCAR ARMSTRONG
STRAWPLAINS, TN 378710000 USA
AR Exempt:    No
Shares of Stock:    0

REGISTERED AGENT NAME: HOTZ, WILLIAM A


http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000261765
Quote
000261765: Corporation Non-Profit - Domestic
 
Name:    NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH, INC.
Old Name:    
   
Business Type:    
Status:    Active    Initial Filing:    01/26/1993
Formed in:    Jefferson County    Delayed Effective Date:    
Fiscal Year Close:    December    AR Due Date:    04/01/2010
Term of Duration:    Perpetual    Inactive Date:    
Principal Office:    ROUTE 4
OSCAR ARMSTRONG RD.
STRAWBERRY PLNS, TN 37871 USA

Annual Report
Mailing Address:    P.O. BOX 53
STRAWBERRY PLNS, TN 37871 0 USA
AR Exempt:    No
Public Benefit Corporation:    Yes    Religious Corporation:    Yes
         
REGISTERED AGENT NAME: LEE EA, JAMES E


NOTE THAT THERE ARE/WERE OTHER NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH LOCATIONS IN TENNESSEE;
MAY OR NOT BE RELATED TO DILLS' GROUP:


Quote
NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH OF THE KITUWAH NATION (Active)
TELLICO PLAINS, TN
REGISTERED AGENT NAME: SILVARAHAWK, REV ALDEA
http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000530131

NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH OF PEJUTA (PEYOTE) WAKAN (Dissolved by TN Scty of State)
MEMPHIS, TN
REGISTERED AGENT NAME: REYNOLDS, MS JUDY CREEK
http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000328211


SYSTEMS THEORIES AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INC.
Dissolved by TN Secretary of State, 1992

http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000031348
Quote
000031348: Corporation For-Profit - Domestic
 
Name:    SYSTEMS THEORIES AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, INC.
Old Name:    
   
Business Type:    
Status:    Inactive - Dissolved (Administrative)    Initial Filing:    05/26/1977
Formed in:    Knox County    Delayed Effective Date:    
Fiscal Year Close:    December    AR Due Date:    04/01/1992
Term of Duration:    Perpetual    Inactive Date:    09/18/1992
Principal Office:    POB59,OSCAR ARMSTRON
STRAWBERRYPLAI, TN 378710000 USA

Annual Report
Mailing Address:    POB59,OSCAR ARMSTRON
STRAWBERRYPLAI, TN 378710000 USA
AR Exempt:    No
Shares of Stock:    1,000

REGISTERED AGENT NAME: HOTZ, WILLIAM A


TENNESSEE BANK OF CHEROKEES, INC. [sic]
was actually supposed to be Tennessee Band of Cherokees, Inc.
dissloved by TN Secretary of State, 1987


http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000115873
Quote
Name:     TENNESSEE BANK OF CHEROKEES, INC.
Old Name:    
   
Business Type:    
Status:    Inactive - Dissolved (Administrative)    Initial Filing:    04/29/1982
Formed in:    Knox County    Delayed Effective Date:    
Fiscal Year Close:    April    AR Due Date:    08/01/1988
Term of Duration:    Perpetual    Inactive Date:    12/31/1987
Principal Office:    ROUTE 2
STRAWBERRY PLN, TN 378710000 USA

Annual Report
Mailing Address:    1801 JEFFERSON AVENU
KNOXVILLE, TN 379170000 USA
AR Exempt:    No
Shares of Stock:    0

REGISTERED AGENT NAME: HOTZ, WILLIAM A
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 19, 2010, 10:48:02 pm
DILLS' WEBSITES:

nativeamericanchurch.com

http://www.networksolutions.com/whois-search/Nativeamericanchurch.com

Quote
Registrant:
  Bill McKee
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US

  0z0m762747@nojunkemailaddress.com
   +1.4123257437

Domain Name: NATIVEAMERICANCHURCH.COM

Administrative & Technical Contact:
  Dr. PeSheWa
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US



indianreader.com

http://www.networksolutions.com/whois-search/indianreader.com

Quote
Registrant:
  Bill McKee
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US

  0z0m762747@nojunkemailaddress.com
   +1.4123257437

Domain Name: INDIANREADER.COM

Administrative & Technical Contact:
  Dr. PeSheWa
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US




thesantaclaus.org

http://www.networksolutions.com/whois-search/thesantaclaus.org

Quote
Domain ID:D147908110-LROR
Domain Name:THESANTACLAUS.ORG
Created On:31-May-2007 06:08:58 UTC
Last Updated On:10-Jan-2010 04:23:59 UTC
Expiration Date:31-May-2012 06:08:58 UTC
Sponsoring Registrar:pair Networks, Inc.d/b/a pairNIC (R103-LROR)
Status:OK
Registrant ID:BM81709
Registrant Name:Bill McKee
Registrant Street1:37210 Irish Lane
Registrant Street2:
Registrant Street3:
Registrant City:Glade Spring
Registrant State/Province:VA
Registrant Postal Code:24340
Registrant Country:US
Registrant Phone:+1.2764292181
Registrant Phone Ext.:
Registrant FAX:
Registrant FAX Ext.:
Registrant Email:0z0m762747@nojunkemailaddress.com
Admin ID:BM81709
Admin Name:Bill McKee
Admin Street1:37210 Irish Lane
Admin Street2:
Admin Street3:
Admin City:Glade Spring
Admin State/Province:VA
Admin Postal Code:24340
Admin Country:US
Admin Phone:+1.2764292181
Admin Phone Ext.:
Admin FAX:
Admin FAX Ext.:


neishtekiva.com

http://www.networksolutions.com/whois-search/neishtekiva.com
    
Quote
Registrant:
  Bill McKee
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US

  0z0m762747@nojunkemailaddress.com
   +1.4123257437

Domain Name: NEISHTEKIVA.COM

Administrative & Technical Contact:
  Thomas Wilkinson
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US



beyondprophecy.com

http://www.networksolutions.com/whois-search/beyondprophecy.com

[EDIT/CORRECTION:] There are two similar domains: beyondprophesy.com (not Dills website) and beyondprophecy.com (which is Dills' website). My first post of this information showed the incorrect domain. This has been corrected with my apologies. The correct information now follows.

Quote
Registrant:
  William B McKee
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US

  0z0m762747@nojunkemailaddress.com
   +1.4123257437

Domain Name: BEYONDPROPHECY.COM

Administrative & Technical Contact:
  Thomas Wilkinson
  c/o pairNIC.com Whois Privacy
  PO Box 42319
  Pittsburgh, PA 15203
  US
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 20, 2010, 03:49:37 pm
9. If possible, is there a way to contact the widow?

Roger's wife at the time of his passing was named Renae. I have located a phone number for Renae which I phoned but that number is no longer valid. The last location where I knew they lived was near Sweetwater, TN. Perhaps someone reading this thread would know how to contact Renae? I will continue my search.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 20, 2010, 11:45:42 pm
TO ALL: It is interesting to note that this thread is not in the google search results:

SEARCH FOR "PESHEWA" WITHIN NEWAGEFRAUD.ORG:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=MZk&q=peshewa+site%3Anewagefraud.org&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=

SEARCH OF "NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH" WITHIN NEWAGEFRAUD.ORG:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=native+american+church+site:newagefraud.org&start=0&sa=N

SEARCH OF "JERRY DILLS" WITHIN NEWAGEFRAUD.ORG:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=Jerry+Dills+site%3Anewagefraud.org&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=

These links are google searches which limit the search to only this website.

Since the title of the thread is "Native American Chuch" and "Macaki Peshewa" and "Jerry Dills" is repeatedly mentioned in that thread, this thread should be the first result shown.

Dills is a weak and small man who has cloaked himself for decades in spiritual trappings. However, he has always made sure that he has powerful friends to surround himself with, and these include very powerful attorney friends.

I believe it is now time to elevate this matter to a higher level.

Enough bullshit, Jerry. Enough is enough.

clearwater


UPDATE Feb 7, 2010 Once I discovered the thread had been deleted from the google index, I filed documentation with google to have the link(s) reinstated. As of last week, the thread has been restored to the google index. Who can say what caued the thread to be removed then restored? Also, I should point out, that for about three weeks this thread was also removed from the Yahoo search engine, including Yahoo's cache of the link, but did not report that here as it was redundant. The link has also been restored to the Yahoo Index at this time. --clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: dabosijigwokush on January 21, 2010, 12:37:39 am
a way to see if someone has passed

http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: dabosijigwokush on January 21, 2010, 12:42:38 am
After the autopsy is finished, notes from the other findings (toxicology, histology, etc..) are compiled and a formal report is made. This is the report that is generally only available to immediate family members or lawyers if the death is involved in a legal case. A bunch of questions in the emails that people sent to me asked how they could get a hold of someone's autopsy report. My guess is that the actual law about this depends on the state, but most only allow immediate family members to view the autopsy report.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 21, 2010, 01:13:04 am
a way to see if someone has passed

http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/

I find this very odd that I am unable to locate any records regarding Kelley's death. As a test I searched my own father's death which was a few years later, and that is found. My grandmother who passed much earlier than that is also found.

I was there, this happened. This is very weird. Perhaps "Kelley" was a nickname?

As far as I am aware, there was no autopsy performed.

I will continue my search.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Moma_porcupine on January 21, 2010, 01:33:44 am
Quote
I find this very odd that I am unable to locate any records regarding Kelley's death. As a test I searched my own father's death which was a few years later, and that is found. My grandmother who passed much earlier than that is also found.

If he was only 19 when he died, he may not have registered with social security, and if he wasn't registered he wouldn't be found in the social security death index... .
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 21, 2010, 01:38:41 am
RECORD FOUND:

GRAVES ROBERT K
DATE OF DEATH    03-13-1988
AGE 20
SHELBY COUNTY / TN
FILE # 10167

This was found in the Shelby Country TN Vital Records online search:

http://register.shelby.tn.us/index.php

[EDIT/UPDATE:] Note that the record of this death does NOT show up in the social security index.

I will order a copy of the Death Verification. Now that I have the date pinned down I will locate the paragraph that appears in the Memphis Commercial Appeal 1-2 days later. Once I have that I will scan it and post it here.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 21, 2010, 03:22:30 am
TO ALL: If anyone wishes at this time to step forward to defend the deeds of Jerry Neal Dills, now is the time to do so.

TO THE NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH (the real NAC, that is): If any members of the true NAC have words or thoughts regarding the matters presented in this thread, now is the time share them here.

Please make your posts now. This matter is about to be jacked to the next level. I will reveal what that means only once it is done.

Enough is enough.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 22, 2010, 11:29:43 am
Death Records

I find it strangely curious that two days after my post regarding finding a record of this death Shelby County, TN Vital Records website, that online search of this database has been disabled. Perhaps only coincidental? Perhaps a web design error?

Search Type: "Archive"
Tennessee Vital Records
Death Records Index 1949-2005

search is currently disabled as of the time-date stamp above for this NAFPS post
January 22, 2010 at 04:29:43 AM ... may be restored a later date?


http://register.shelby.tn.us/index.php

Now why would that be?

----------------------------------------------------------

Removal of this thread from google

I have researched google's process to remove information from google's index, and this website and this thread does not meet ANY of the requirements for removing indexed pages. From google's website:

Quote
Google's results to change, the information must first change on the site where it appears, and this is a change that Google's unable to make for you. We run into a lot of people who think that Google runs the Web and controls all the sites on it, but that's really not the case. The sites in Google's search results are controlled by those sites' webmasters.

If you contact the webmaster, he or she has a few options. He or she can remove the concerning information, take the page down from the Web entirely, or block Google from including the page in Google's index.

Once the webmaster makes a change, your work is done. The change will automatically show up in the search results once Google re-crawls the site.

In most cases, the only way to change a search result is for the webmaster to change the site itself. However, we may be able to help in a few cases including these:

Social security or credit card information in results
Adult content in results, when SafeSearch is enabled
Inappropriate images on our featured video results


This thread meets none of these requirements, and only the moderators can respond to if they have received a removal request.

Now, why then has this thread been removed from google?

It looks like someone's trying to play hardball?? We'll see I suppose...

clearwater


UPDATE Feb 7, 2010 As of today, the search feature for death records in Shelby County, TN is still disabled on that website. However, I have obtained the Death Certificate from Tennessee Vital Records, as well as the articles which appeared in the Memphis newspapers, and will be posting that next, within a day or so of this edit.  --clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 22, 2010, 03:23:02 pm
TO ALL: If anyone wishes at this time to step forward to defend the deeds of Jerry Neal Dills, now is the time to do so.

TO THE NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCH (the real NAC, that is): If any members of the true NAC have words or thoughts regarding the matters presented in this thread, now is the time share them here.

Please make your posts now. This matter is about to be jacked to the next level. I will reveal what that means only once it is done.

Enough is enough.

clearwater

Hmmm ... two days and no comments. Silence is golden, I suppose.

For starters when you said one of his "wives" Marion or Melanie or even one i don't know about. Doc gave me payote at a young age to young if you ask me. i witnessed first hand is lies, decit, and under handedness. I watched him get rid of countless people Bruse Torbit, Frank, Roger Crowe, a man named Joe and basicallly anyone that came against him. How many children did he have when you knew him and did you experience the child abuse first hand? And the bingo thing actually ended in 93, in South Carolina i was there. Did you ever partake in what Doc called "konah"? I know about alot of things but what i am more concerned with is the neglect of his children some that is still going on today. I know there are 6, but i have info there is more just don't know how many more. And myself and some others have tried to take him down but he's hard to get too. I pray that one day his delusional world will come crashing and burning down.

Silver Star: Your prayer may be about to answered. We shall see.


24 hours ago I deposited into the mail stream a 3-page cover letter along with a printout of this entire thread, to the list of agencies which follows. To protect myself, I drove 200 miles to another city so that the postmark would not be the city in which I reside; I also left my debit card and cell phone at home and paid cash for the postage, fuel and food, all to ensure that my activities could not be tracked and the mailings could not be intercepted within the mail stream. These were mailed first class with no tracking service. The cover letter included specific details that have not been shared in this forum, in addition to revealing to these agencies my real name and phone number, and the real name and phone number of silver star.

These materials were sent to:

Officer in Charge
US Marshal Service
US Department of Justice
Knoxville, Tennessee

The Honorable Robert E. Cooper, Jr.
Office of the Attorney General
State of Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee

The Honorable Henry McMaster
Office of the Attorney General
State of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina

Special Agent in Charge
Knoxville Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Knoxville, Tennessee

Special Agent in Charge
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Headquarters
Nashville, Tennessee

Special Agent in Charge
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Knoxville Consolidated Facility
Knoxville, Tennessee

Special Agent in Charge
US Drug Enforcement Administration
Knoxville, Tennessee

Special Agent in Charge
US Drug Enforcement Administration, Atlanta Division
Atlanta, Georgia


In addition, I have been emailing a friend in another city regarding these mailings, however, much of the information in those emails is intended to be rabbit trails that lead to nowhere, just in case, by some small chance, my emails are being monitored.

The above represents the first wave of mailings regarding this matter. There will be a second wave of mailings next week, which is already set and in place, and will happen whether without me.

In an earlier post I indicated that I would not approach these agencies but would instead let them approach me. Well, after sleeping on my conversation with silver star for a few days, I have changed my mind. After departing from Dills' peyote cult in 1989 or 1990, I had thought that the group had pretty much fizzled out over time. Not so, apparently. It seems that the activities have become more extreme, more bizarre with time, and I cannot in good conscious sit on what I know, knowing that lives are in the balance as you read these words. The matters at hand are far more serious that even I had thought.


Regarding the DEA peyote permit

In my earlier posts I indicated Dills was using a borrowed permit and did not have one of his own. In conversations with silver star, that individual seems to think that there had been a change in permits and thought that Dills may now have a "valid" permit. If that ends up being so, then I would wonder how an individual like Dills can join a state-recognized tribe, without documenting Indian heritage, and then apply for and receive a DEA permit. If the regulations are that lax, then I also qualify to receive a permit. As an individual citizen, I do not have the power to check into these matters; however, federal investigators do, thus they are included in the mailing described here.


A word about Jerry Dills' powerful friends

Jerry Dills himself is a weak, puny, tiny human being who has a great deal of charisma, as cult leaders do, and has bastardized the Native American Church for his own twisted intent. Jerry is far from being stupid, and has always made sure he has surrounded himself by very powerful friends, including attorneys, but more importantly, politicians at the local, state and federal level. Take a look at this list on one of Dills websites:

http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/thanks.html

I had referred to this list in an earlier post in this thread. The fact is, Jerry actually did know these people and was able to call any of them, or their staff, for assistance at any time. This list is from the mid 1980s, however, I have every reason to think that he has maintained friendships at the highest levels to this day. While many of these friendships and associations were based in mutual aid for topics of Indian affairs in Tennessee, some of these relationships were based on monetary payoffs and drug use. For example, I personally saw Jerry Dills partake of cocaine with a then-sitting US Senator [CORRECTION] US Congressman. I will not name that Senator Congressman (who is no longer in office) nor the time of place of that event. I will share the details of this event only with investigators, in private, for any of the above-named agencies. If interested, I can also point investigators to matters pertaining to the illegal drug trade in Upstate South Carolina in the early 1970s. It really does not matter.

To anyone is a position of authority or power who is assisting Dills' cover his ass, to you I say, you may at this time wish to re-think your allegiances with Jerry Dills.

Once wave #2 of my mailing is released next week, I will report that in this thread, 24 hours after they hit the mail stream in another city.

I will also continue my research and as I can locate information and individuals pertaining to EducatedIndians's query above, I will post that information here in this forum.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Moma_porcupine on January 22, 2010, 06:07:32 pm
Hi Clearwater

I like your user name. Me, i think I should have picked Paranoid_porcupine, because I seem to spend a lot more time getting alarmed than being motherly.

I totally understand you wanting to keep yourself safe, and the message bls926 reported getting when she tried to go to Dills webpage does seem to have been created by the type of person it could be unpleasant to confront.

For the most part what you are saying is very clear , but I do notice a couple places you may be getting sidetracked from the main issue.

It's not clear why you went to another city to mail letters, and why did you take precautions insuring they couldn't be traced back to you, if the letter inside says who you are and your phone number?

The only people those letters would come in contact with in between the point where you mail them and the point where they are recieved and opened , would be the postal workers. Are you saying you think the postal workers in your town would open these letters or report back to Dills that letters with your return address had been mailed to the people in the list you just reported? And if it is someone who works in the post office who is a friend of Dills you are concerned about , why were you worried about someone getting your debit card information to trace these letters back to you, when that information was inside the letter and presumably recieved by everyone who recieved this?

As someone with some expertise in being paranoid, I have found it's really important when I explain my concerns that I be as logical as possible. The first person this helps is myself, as when i feel scared that can take on a logic of it's own , and by making sure my fears actually make sense, I sometimes find that some aspects of my concerns are not really realistic, and it's always nice to know I don't actually need to worry about some of the stuff i was worrying about.  

I also have seen NAFPS threads disappear from google, and like you i suspected someone was pulling some strings to get them removed. maybe they were, but I think since then I have seen that happen with less contentious threads here, and it may also be something in the way google indexes it's searches. Whatever the reason was those contentious threads did come back and now the info is there for all vulnerable people looking for healing to read.

The SSDI is available on a number of search engines. You can also find it through the online LDS website below.

familysearch.org

Whether this death was a suicide or an accident, I am not entirely clear why this family tragedy, which could have happened to any family, is connected to Dills making himself important with a unrealistic Native identity and what many would consider an unrealistic , possibly exploitive version of Native culture. There is pressures in many families that can lead to suicide. I don't really see why this needs to be a part of this discussion.

Maybe there is something more you don't feel comfortable explaining here - and if that is the case don't feel pressured to do so, but it is also good to realize when you post stuff that doesn't logically connect up very well to people reading it who don't know all the details,  that does distract from the main issues which are pretty clear.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 22, 2010, 06:28:46 pm
PM sent to Moma_porcupine. Thanks for your comments.

clearwater

[EDIT/UPDATE:] We have communicated by PM (see Moma_porcupine comments below). I decided to edit this post rather than to make a new post, because we both agree this is a side issue not relevant to the main topic...

Quote
It's not clear why you went to another city to mail letters, and why did you take precautions insuring they couldn't be traced back to you, if the letter inside says who you are and your phone number?

I have explained myself pretty clearly and I believe you understand my logic in PM, but disagree, which is fine. But the reason I state what I did was so that my correspondence would reach their intended targets, not so that it would not traced back to me. That's not an inconsistency. And yes, mail can be plucked out of the mail stream at any time and at any place. Thanks again for helping keep me focused.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Moma_porcupine on January 22, 2010, 07:26:10 pm
Clearwater explained their comments to me in a PM. I don't necesarrily agree and think their personal feelings and the complexity of the situation may be slightly confusing the way they are approaching this , but from what I was told privately it sounds like there is a somewhat convoluted logical explanation for the things I pointed out in my previous post. And the main issue remains, which is the concern that people who use a Native identity, traditions and peyote, are doing this in a way that is honest and realistic and actually respects the integrity of these traditions, the people who participate in these traditions , and the identity of the Native people they claim.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Cetan on January 22, 2010, 11:21:58 pm
What I have not seen is the supposed NAC charter number - no official charter and it is not an official NAC chapter. As far as giving the medicine to children, well it is up to them if they eat the medicine and frequently children are given a little medicine if they want it, at least that has been my experience as a baptised member of the NAC, charter 3132 from SD
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 23, 2010, 12:36:05 pm
What follows is my personal research, analysis and summary of the use of peyote by the Native American Church in general, and how this applies to Jerry Dills' Native American Church, specifically. This will be a rather long, extensive, thorough, and cerebral post.

[EDIT/UPDATE:] The purpose of this extensive post is to document the legitimacy of true Native American Churches, and to dismantle any argument that Jerry Dills may have at operating a legitimate church. I believe those reading this post will come to similar conclusion as I have based on the information presented.

First I will re-cap some comments by previous posters to this forum, and will address their comments as I unfold this review and analysis here.

Jerry Dills goes by several names, including Macaki Peshewa, and another name Neishte. They are all the same person. Dills administers peyote ceremonies in his home in Strawberry Plains, TN without a valid DEA permit. He claims affiliation with the United Remnant Band of Shawnee based in Ohio, where a priest there ("Chief Hawk Pope") did have a peyote permit. Dills does not have a permit and uses this borrowed permit to have peyote delivered to his home. He has, for several decades, administered peyote to young college students (including myself) who he taps into to become "Indian" enough to work for him for free. However, he has no standing to do this, hiding behind his "priesthood" and "Indian" in general and wowing starry-eyed wannabes with peyote trips using a borrowed permit.

As Jerry Pope [AKA "Chief Hawk Pope"] does not have a raptor feather permit, it is hard to imagine that he has a legitimate peyote permit.

Hmmm, I did not know peyote permits could be "lent".

look to the left in photo 3 fire circle and a lodge circle and further left a medicine wheel
looks like he made a bonified sacred sight

What I have not seen is the supposed NAC charter number - no official charter and it is not an official NAC chapter. As far as giving the medicine to children, well it is up to them if they eat the medicine and frequently children are given a little medicine if they want it, at least that has been my experience as a baptised member of the NAC, charter 3132 from SD

In this post I will attempt to analyze the legitimate use of peyote by NAC and how these permits are obtained. In conducting this research I find that there are gaping holes in the available literature.

With regard to  E.P. Grondine's comments above, I cannot find any requirement that an eagle feather permit be held in order to obtain a peyote permit. In conducting my research, my main question is, “What, then, are the requirements to obtain a peyote permit?” This is the question I will attempt to answer with this post.

It appears that the only requirement to obtain a DEA permit is that peyote be used by “Indians” in “bona fide religious ceremonies.” It is clear that the use of peyote is protected under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act:

From the US Department of Justice Website:
Section 1307.31 Native American Church.
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/1307/1307_31.htm

Quote
The listing of peyote as a controlled substance in Schedule I does not apply to the nondrug use of peyote in bona fide religious ceremonies of the Native American Church, and members of the Native American Church so using peyote are exempt from registration. Any person who manufactures peyote for or distributes peyote to the Native American Church, however, is required to obtain registration annually and to comply with all other requirements of law.

Note that this sub-section of the Act exempts individual members of NAC from registration requirements to use or ingest peyote. However, anyone who distributes peyote is required to obtain DEA registration, which would include growers who distribute it to churches and priests who distribute it to their members. I have found several reference to the requirement that this registration needs to be renewed yearly.

It is also of note that my review of the available materials, including numerous court rulings, makes it clear there are no restrictions on who may ingest peyote. Anyone of any race may ingest peyote and is exempt from registration requirements in this regard. Because there is so much literature to back this up, these questions are easily answered and there is no point in including references here.

So it is easy to establish, as I have done here, that use of peyote is protected under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and further, that there are no restrictions or registration requirements on who may partake of peyote within the construct and of a  “bona fide religious ceremony,” which, according to my understanding of this literature, is generally defined as the “Native American Church.”  So, the issue actually boils down to these questions: Who may obtain a permit to distribute peyote, and what are the requirements for them to apply for this permit? These questions are much more difficult to answer.

First, I will examine the issue of who may obtain a permit and how they may obtain one. Then, I will examine this issue as it related to Native American Church itself and what a “ bona fide religious ceremony” actually is, as this seems to be the only definitions I can find regarding this topic.

Regarding who may obtain a permit, this is an unclear issue, but here are some materials which shed some light on the answer:

Found on the “Drugs Forum” website:
http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8746

Quote
PEYOTE AND PEYOTE LAW

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency reports only a handful of registered distributors who are permitted to sell peyote, and sell only to persons who can prove at least one-quarter blood lineage to a Native American tribe.

Medicine men who live too far from the Texan plains to harvest their own peyote purchase it from such distributors, who must follow regulations from the DEA and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Peyote can be mailed using the U.S. Postal Service if both the distributor and the purchaser of the peyote meet the government's requirements.

Salvador Johnson, a peyote distributor in Mirando City, Texas, said the DEA has pressured him in recent years to be more selective in deciding to whom he should sell peyote.

He said that while membership in a Native American church used to be sufficient, his clients must now prove American Indian ancestry.

"We started asking for tribal enrollment cards and certificates of Indian Blood," Johnson said. "That is the only way we can prove a person is who he says he is."

A federal statute limits peyote use to "Indians" who use it in "bona fide religious ceremonies."

[NOTE: It is possible the laws have been modified to relax the 1/4 blood requirement? I also believe this is an outdated article in that various rulings seem to indicate that there are no race restrictions on who may be a member of the Native American Church. This seems contradictory on its face: court rulings allow any race to ingest peyote, but the law itself states that "Indians" is a requirement? Does this mean now that anyone who is non-Indian may be a priest in the Native American Church? Odd and inconsistent. But, there are other tests of a legitimate church which I will examine later in this post.]

Yes, as stated above, the federal statutes do indeed limit peyote use to "Indians" who use it in "bona fide religious ceremonies.” But finding definitions of what “Indian” and “bona fide religious ceremonies” actually means has been much more difficult for me to pin down.

(At this point I will address the comments of  dabosijigwokush quoted at the top of this post, who indicated that Jerry Dills' “scared grounds” appears to be a bona fide sacred site because it includes a “fire circle and a lodge circle and further left a medicine wheel” in the aerial photos I linked to much earlier in this thread. I can find no reference to any law or ruling which involves the physical location or details such as this. Having these objects on the “sacred grounds” does not in and of themselves define a “bona fide religious ceremony” any more than having a menorah on my table at Hanukkah would define me as having Jewish religious ceremonies or being of the Jewish faith. Someone might see these and conclude I am Jewish, but it is a deeper examination of my faith and practices that would reveal whether I am in fact Jewish or not. In regards to NAC, it is the same test in my opinion.)

So then, what is an “Indian” and what are “bona fide religious ceremonies”? And, applying these answers, who then may apply for and receive a peyote permit?

Some insight to these answers may be found on the Department of Justice website:

Guidance Regarding Petitions for Religious Exemption from the Controlled Substances Act
Pursuant to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/rfra_exempt012209.pdf

This 2-page .pdf file indicates there is a process in which to petition the Drug Enforcement Administration to request exemption from the Controlled Substances Act. However, this appears at first glance to be a matter of self-declaration, and this “guidance” really offers no guidance as far as I can tell. It does define a process, but offers little guidance.

In addition, Application for Registration with the DEA itself offers no clues as to who may or may not apply:

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION
Under the Controlled Substances Act
APPROVED OMB NO 1117-0014
FORM DEA-224 (9-05)
Previous editions are obsolete

http://depts.washington.edu/uwmedres/professional/faq_files/224_form_0905.pdf

The above application does include peyote as a controlled substance but makes no indication of any special requirements placed upon the applicant.

This is further compounded by the fact that there are materials available online which advocate peyote and religious freedoms which make no reference at all to the Native American Church, and even offer an online self-declaration form for the religious use of peyote. The worst, most outrageous example of this is found here:

Council on Spiritual Practices
Entheogens and the Free Exercise Clause

http://csp.org/society/docs/telr-free_exercise.html

The above link to the Council on Spiritual Practices in my opinion incorrectly and illegitimately opens Pandora's box in that it essentially is a how-to guide for any wannabe peyote priest, no matter of race, to self-declare themselves legitimate. If you read this link thoroughly, you will see no reference to the Native American Church and “Indian” is only referenced once in the entire article, then it goes on to actually provide a blank template form for anyone to self-declare themselves to be able to use peyote for religious purposes and spells out a defense if they are ever arrested for having peyote. But, the writer of this article at least had enough sense to offer this caveat:

Quote
To clear up any confusion: The only people who should consider preparing a declaration like that modeled in this article are those people: (1) who, because they are not members of an established entheogen-using church, need to document their religious intent; and (2) fully intend to make efforts at presenting a religious defense (under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act) in the event they are ever arrested. If a person plans to defend on some other ground (e.g., "it's not mine," or "I didn't know what it was"), the declaration, if found, will likely be the best thing the prosecutor could have to rebut the defense.

Choose your weapon wisely.

Yes. Choose your weapon wisely. Interesting choice of words. This article first appeared in the The Entheogen Law Reporter (Issue No. 4, Fall 1994), and whoever wrote this article, in my opinion, is an absolute idiot. They are basically spelling out how to circumvent the very law they are purporting to rely on. I believe that anyone who is stupid enough to execute such a self-declaration is guilty of violating federal law, by definition.

The above link does offer one very interesting insight, however. This quote from the above article link is in regard to the high courts ruling against the use of marijuana and other controlled substances as protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act:

Quote
As a practical matter, a court will be more inclined to grant religious protection to a person utilizing a single entheogen rather than a multitude of entheogens. In fact, every case finding in favor of religious use of entheogens has involved a person or church employing a single entheogenic sacrament — namely, peyote.

I will return to this point at the end of this post.

So, the question still remains unanswered: what is “Indian” and what are “bona fide religious ceremonies”? You would think that since the entire issue of peyote permits relies on these definitions, that there would be some clarification of what this actually means. Not nooooo. Not so simple. The best I have been able to find on this is:

Found on the “Drugs Forum” website:
http://www.drugs-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8746

Quote
Under federal law, peyote is listed as a Schedule 1 narcotic, which puts it right up there with heroin. Depending on the amount and circumstances, to possess or possess with the intent to sell peyote can carry a maximum fine of $4 million and a jail sentence that can range anywhere from 20 years to life.

However, if you are a member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, you are exempt--as long as everything is kept among tribal members.

"Frankly speaking, we have not come across any peyote seizures for several years (in Southern Arizona)," says DEA Public Information Officer Ramona Sanchez. "It is a controlled substance and is of course on our radar, but we have not seen an alarming use of it. We have a trusting relationship with the Native American Church (that peyote will not be abused). As far as the DEA is concerned, there is a list of all the tribes which can use peyote, and you must be of American Indian heritage with federally recognized criteria to possess and use peyote." (emphasis added)


Ok, well that's a start. So where is this “list of all tribes which can use peyote”? Is is nowhere to be found, that I could find. Unless, of course, it means all tribes? Federal tribes or state tribes? This remains undefined. I did find an online reference to a list of valid Native American Churches, but this link I would think is probably out of date:

DIRECTORY OF NATIVE AMERICAN CHURCHES
http://web.archive.org/web/20050308162749/www.utah-nac.org/nacindex.html

It is of note that the Native American Church of Strawberry Plains, TN (or Knoxville, TN depending on the E-911 change of address) is not on this list, although it has been active since at least 1981 according to the corporate records I documented in an earlier post. I do not know how authoritative or how out of date this list is, so to be safe, it should be assumed it is incomplete and out of date. But it is of note that no NAC is listed for Tennessee at all although that church has existed as a corporation since 1981, and since the early 1970s unincorporated.

So, since I am unable to find the answer to my most basic of questions online, which are, what is an “Indian” and what are “bona fide religious ceremonies,” I will try to answer these questions myself.

I believe the answer who is “Indian” should be left to another discussion another day. My read of the materials indicates that one applying for a peyote permit must be tied to a federally-recognized tribe, and I found many references to that. However, I cannot find this referenced in the US DEA literature, or the in the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I assume this law and these regulations rely on definitions spelled out elsewhere in federal rules and regulations.

So, I will narrow my question, then, to what “bona fide religious ceremonies” may be, and then zero in on answer to this question as it pertains to the Native American Church of Strawberry Plains, TN.

A “religious ceremony” is defined as--

http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/religious_ceremony.htm

Quote
Meaning: “a ceremony having religious meaning”

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "religious ceremony"):

agape; love feast (a religious meal shared as a sign of love and fellowship)

libation (the act of pouring a liquid offering (especially wine) as a religious ceremony)

inunction; unction (anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual)

sanctification (a religious ceremony in which something is made holy)

sacrament (a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it; the two Protestant ceremonies are baptism and the Lord's Supper; in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church there are seven traditional rites accepted as instituted by Jesus: baptism and confirmation and Holy Eucharist and penance and holy orders and matrimony and extreme unction)

divine service; religious service; service (the act of public worship following prescribed rules)

religious rite; rite (an established ceremony prescribed by a religion)


And, let us examine the definition of “church”:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/CHURCH

Quote
1 : a building for public and especially Christian worship
2 : the clergy or officialdom of a religious body
3 often capitalized : a body or organization of religious believers: as a : the whole body of Christians b : denomination <the Presbyterian church> c : congregation
4 : a public divine worship <goes to church every Sunday>
5 : the clerical profession <considered the church as a possible career>


Ok, well that doesn't help much, does it? I think, then, as far as I am able to determine, the final test for what a “church” is and what “bona fide religious ceremonies” may be more simple that anything we could all imagine. With my apologies to the true Native American Church, I believe the most appropriate comparison to knowing something for what it is or is not, may be found in the US Supreme Court ruling on Jacobellis v. Ohio, 378 U.S. 184 (1964), a Supreme Court decision handed down in 1964 involving whether the state of Ohio could, consistent with the First Amendment, ban the showing of a French film called The Lovers (Les Amants) which the state had deemed obscene:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobellis_v._Ohio

Quote
The most famous opinion from Jacobellis, however, was Justice Potter Stewart's concurrence, holding that the Constitution protected all obscenity except "hard-core pornography." Stewart wrote, "I shall not today attempt further to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced within that shorthand description; and perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so. But I know it when I see it, and the motion picture involved in this case is not that." (emphasis added)

So, I think this simple test can be applied to any use of a DEA peyote permit within the Native American Church.

Unless there are US DEA specifications to this effect (which I have been unable to locate), then a “bona fide religious ceremonies” is a subjective thing and the I know It When I See It test is probably the best one there is.

The Native American Church of Strawberry Plains, TN fails this test.

Applied to the Native American Church of Jerry “Doc” Dills (a/k/a Dr. Macaki Peshewa), I put forth that is fails this simple test, for these reasons:

1) Dills' church has less than a dozen members, although it claims to have hundreds of members, it will be unable to produce any membership rolls, names, receipts, anything to support that claim. Any cursory examination will pierce this lie and will in fact reveal that Jerry Dills' church is a sham;

2) Dills' church has left dozens of lives fragmented and destroyed, which will also be revealed  by a simple examination of his operation and interview with dozens of past members of this so-called “church” which is, in truth, a cult.

3) Dills' administers much more than peyote, and frequently administers marijuana, cocaine, and at time in the past, the Rx drug placydyl. These truths will be revealed should the Dills' NAC come under even the most basic scrutiny (which he will be unable to withstand) and as past members, including silver star and others, come out of the woodwork to tell their stories. That Dills' uses other controlled substances not covered by the  Religious Freedom Restoration Act, negates any claim he may have made to protection by the RFRA, and any claimed exemption of the Controlled Substances Act;

4) Jerry Dills is not a member of any federally recognized Indian tribe.


Summary and Conclusion

There is no doubt that the legitimate use of peyote is a protected religious freedom by "Indians" within the boundaries of "bona fide religious ceremonies." What is unclear is how these things are defined. I believe the very basic I Know It When I See It test will hold true even at the highest level of scruitiny. Simply stated: It's either real, or it ain't.

In regards to the comments posted by Cetan to this thread, quoted at the beginning of this post, again, as past members of Dills' Native American Church start to tell their stories, it will be established that he has administered peyote to children as young as 4 years old. I will here again repeat Cetan's quote to this thread:

What I have not seen is the supposed NAC charter number - no official charter and it is not an official NAC chapter. As far as giving the medicine to children, well it is up to them if they eat the medicine and frequently children are given a little medicine if they want it, at least that has been my experience as a baptised member of the NAC, charter 3132 from SD

To Cetan: if you believe that, for children as young as 4 “it is up to them if they eat the medicine and frequently children are given a little medicine if they want it” then why don't you also give these youngsters the keys to your car and your credit card? This makes just as much sense, and in all due respect, does not pass the laugh test nor does it pass the common sense or decency test. I will refrain from commenting on being a “baptised” [sic] member of NAC, which seems to blur the Native American faith with Christianity. Enough said. [EDIT/ADDITION:] Then again, I cannot claim to know much about the true Native American Church being that Jerry Dills is a fake priest running a bogus church.

For these reasons stated, I humbly submit that the “church” of Jerry “Doc” Dills (a/k/a Peshewa a/k/a Neishte) is not any church at all, because it cannot pass the most basic I Know It When I See It test for anyone who chooses to look beyond the surface and Dills' words and not be bamboozled with bullshit.

If there are guidelines in place for controlling who may apply for a permit, I have not been able to find them; if there are no such guidelines, there should be.

In conclusion, it is quite possible that Jerry Dills may in fact hold a "valid" DEA permit. However, if true, than I put forth that that permit has been acquired by deception and falsehoods.

Therefore, it is my opinion, from personal first-hand knowledge and from my review and analysis included here, that Dills is operating an illegal peyote cult, and not a church.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Cetan on January 23, 2010, 03:55:50 pm
Does he a valid charter number? I have seen no mention of it. And more importantly, if he is a leaderman in the NAC who gave him his fireplace? and does that person acknowledge giving him the fireplace (there are some who have claimed to have received fireplaces from well known roadmen but when asked the roadman will say I never gave him a fireplace).  Without that documentation someone is never a bonafide NAC leader.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 23, 2010, 04:38:55 pm
Does he a valid charter number? I have seen no mention of it. And more importantly, if he is a leaderman in the NAC who gave him his fireplace? and does that person acknowledge giving him the fireplace (there are some who have claimed to have received fireplaces from well known roadmen but when asked the roadman will say I never gave him a fireplace).  Without that documentation someone is never a bonafide NAC leader.

Greetings Cetan, thanks for your comments and questions. I was a member of Dills' Native American Church and lived in him home, mostly sleeping on a beanbag, from 1978 - 1988 +/- (depending on how my departure date is defined). In all that time I never heard of the terminology you have used, including "leaderman," "roadmen," and "fireplace." These are all new terms to me. Also, the charter number you mention, is also unknown to me. Whether this be a state charter, a federal charter or a DEA permit #? I do not know. I had never heard this mentioned, ever.

I will contact silver star and ask that person to read your questions and hopefully post some comments. That person was with Dills' group for about 20 years and may have more information or knowledge on that than me.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: educatedindian on January 23, 2010, 04:52:24 pm
If that "church" never heard of something as basic as a roadman...that's like a Catholic church having never heard of altar boys or eucharist.

Thanks to James "Flaming Eagle" Mooney's court case, the requirement for Indian blood to possess and use peyote is pretty much gone. A search in the threads would tell you more.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 23, 2010, 05:10:52 pm
If that "church" never heard of something as basic as a roadman...that's like a Catholic church having never heard of altar boys or eucharist.

Thanks to James "Flaming Eagle" Mooney's court case, the requirement for Indian blood to possess and use peyote is pretty much gone. A search in the threads would tell you more.

Ok. I just phoned silver star and read the above three posts to him. Silver star had never heard of any of these terms before. He did tell me he had heard Dills refer to a "road chief." Silver star has never heard of "fireplace" or "roadmen" or "leadermen." These terms were new to this person as well. No knowledge of any charter number.

To EducatedIndian: I also read the "Flaming Idiot" ruling in my research and thought that was rather odd. Also, I am going to give you Silver star's phone number in PM so that you may speak with this person yourself if you wish. Silver star has indicated to me a willingness to speak with appropriate individuals and authorities regarding this entire matter. I do not know your identity, EducatedIndian, but I trust you implicitly.

My experience with Dills was there were more references to Christianity and Catholicism that to Native America faith. Dills referred to "sins of ommission," made me a "godfather" to three of his children, and so forth. Dills always referred to God as "grandfather" however according to silver star a few days ago, there was a far more complex system Dills had devised, and apparently, God was not in that picture. Weird.

I edited and added a sentence at the top of my long post above, basically explaining that the entire purpose of that study is to dismantle any argument or legal theory Dills may be using to justify his nuttiness.

You may call silver star yourself, It might be a very interesting conversation for you. I will PM you some more details and contact info.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 23, 2010, 06:13:41 pm

In this post I will share some of the text and rhetoric used by Jerry Dills on his many websites. All his sites contain a litany of new age jargon and in fact refers to the Age of Aquarius upon us. It is important to remember that Jerry Neal Dills, Dr. Macaki Peshewa, and Neishte are one and the same person.

From the Native American Church website:

http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/
Quote
TRUTH, LIKE THE AIR WE BREATHE COMES TO US COMPLIMENTS OF THE CREATOR MAY IT ALWAYS BE SO

From the Neishte Kiva website:

http://www.neishtekiva.com/introneishte.html
Quote
Talking with Neiste is a strange sort of phenomenon all in itself. When he speaks the mental images appear and continuously accompanies what he is saying. At times, the images you see and the words he speaks blend together so it's difficult to know where one leaves off and the other begins.

Yes, I agree, it's called rambling and being incoherent.


http://www.neishtekiva.com/encounters.html
Quote
Recent Encounters with Neishte

Everyday you increase and exercise your Being, the easier it is it to 'see' the 'animal' in people; the easier it is to 'see' the Human and the Human condition in people. You will perceive clearly and succinctly because you do not have to falsify your ability to perceive 'things' as they are. This brings power of life to your Spirit - to your soul. You do not have to go around developing a false ego in order to defend your actions or your 'self'. You do not have to falsify images in order to live an imaginary 'self'. (emphasis added)

I agree, I think, kind of sort of. So you can use real images in order to live an imaginary 'self'?


http://www.neishtekiva.com/glimpses.html
Quote
Glimpses of Neiste

If you truly want to be a student, you must become centered and you must initiate your 'self'. Your life energy will increase and then a Shaman is necessary... Without a Shaman there is a strong possibility that 'things' will be worthless.

So, without folks like Jerry Dills, you don't stand much chance of "emerging."


Quote
Your words and actions must possess spiritual energy (Power). Your words direct your consciousness and reflective consciousness. If you utter stupid-lying utterances, then your knowledge begins to reflect this and your signals will distort everything around you. You must rely on your spiritual strength, your 'genetic' strength. If you do this, THEN ALL YOU NEED WILL BE YOURS...

...Each one of our individual spirits is made from the marvels of the universe and it is made up of the stuff stars are made of. When you utter complaints, excuses, avoidance i.e. - They made me do it - This is what was done to me - I don't know what to do-This or That did not happen - THEN your intonation, your projected energy has little or no effect. Except at times, it affects others who are infected just like to you....

...If you seek 'things', to escape your self - Then you are the one who has-no one-home. Do you tell people 'Dare to be great' - 'Live and Listen' to the universe as a participant. Learn to forgive. Or do you treat people like furniture, sit in it for awhile, as long as it's comfortable or rewarding. Something more comfortable, comes along - trade it in. Then you will have no sustained joy-peace-tranquillity... (emphasis added)

Considering how Dills throws people away when they are no longer of use to him, or question him, I find the statement above in bold is especially interesting. I am in complete agreement.


http://www.beyondprophecy.com/Emergence.html
Quote
The Emergence into The 5th World has begun.

People who can be ‘Spiritual’ have been being born for a while now. People of all walks of Life and all colors have started to feel the energy of what it-is-to-be. New kinds of plants are being manifested, also old plants have made a reentrance...

...The covenant is ‘never turn on the Creator or Creation’. If you do not break this covenant then ‘newness’ will appear in your life. If you have been breaking the covenant with the Creator turn from this path ...

...Gossip, false witnessing, causes a division and a misunderstanding between people. Telling lies for whatever reason, fragments people and this causes division in families, in our loved ones...

...In the World, there is lying, stealing and purposeful misleading going on every second of every day. Will this type of relationship bring harmony and harmonic convergence into our family; into this Life-Space?
...  (emphasis added)

Considering that Dills routinely lies and bears false witness to anyone who "turns against him" I doubt he would know the truth if it bit him on the ass. So these are good questions. Again, I am in complete agreement.


And then, of course, there is an earlier post by bls926 who did some research on Dills' websites:

Thought this "research project" was interesting. Think that Sioux saying they used on this page is fitting; should be coming around to bite him on the ass.

Quote
Native Americas University Research
Research Solicitation
<snip>
"This is the fire that will help the generations to come, if they use it in a sacred manner. But if they do not use it well, the fire will have the power to do them great harm." -Sioux Indian
http://www.nativeamericanchurch.com/Research.html

I agree with bls926's opinion above. Perfect.


And, finally, since Dills' loves to use Christianity to help explain his version of truth, let me throw these in here too, as a reminder to Dills of his "sins":

Quote
EXCERPT FROM THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

ONE: You shall have no other gods before Me.

SIX: You shall not murder.

EIGHT: You shall not steal.

NINE: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.


I personally know Jerry Dills very well. It seems as if Jerry Dills talks the talk. Too bad he doesn't walk the walk. Dills' words, thoughts, actions and deeds are not in alignment.  

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on January 25, 2010, 10:46:17 pm
In the above post I had originally ranted about the Mooney US Supreme Court ruling but now realize that was irrelevant to this topic. My bad. Had to get it off my chest I suppose. Won't happen again.

So, I've edited the above post and replaced it with information more directly related this topic and focused on Dills and his new age nonsense.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 09, 2010, 03:38:57 pm

To the moderators of this forum: If you have any reason to take exception to any element of this post (or upcoming posts I will be making), its tone, or its purpose, or feel I have strayed due to personal feelings, or is somehow inappropriate, please feel free to edit, delete or add comments as necessary. You have my complete permission and blessings to do so in advance. It is my sole focus and intent to remain faithful to the topic of this thread, but the full story, based primarily on my personal experiences and knowledge of these events, does require some in-depth reporting and commentary. Again, I apologize for the length of this post, but it will begin tying together and exposing the truths to the lies of Jerry Dills and his fake Native American Church.

This newspaper article is very interesting and relevant. This article about Jerry Dills' bingo game in Spartanburg, SC appeared in The Spartanburg Herald-Journal on May 17, 1993, on pages B1 and B5.

I have scanned the article and re-keyed it for inclusion in this thread, so that it is easier to read, so that I can add comments, and so that it can now be indexed by google and other search engines. The full text of the article follows; my comments are inserted in red italics.

I am also linking to the article I scanned here. View Page B1 (http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/HJ_scan_pgB1.jpg)   View Page B5 (http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/HJ_scan_pgB5.jpg)



Quote

Newspaper article as appeared in The Spartanburg Herald-Journal
on May 17, 1993, on pages B1 and B5


Shawnee works to save his heritage

By Suellene E. Dean, staff writer

Most people know him as the Bingo Man.

And rightfully so. For four years, MaCaki PeSheWa ran a bingo hall -- Indian Bingo off Reidville Road. I will have detailed information about this location in a future post on this forum.

He reluctantly closed the bingo hall three weeks ago, blaming his losses of more than $100,000 last year on big promoters who have taken over the lucrative fundraising business by aligning themselves with charities like his. Not exactly true. From inception, Jerry Dills (Peshewa) aligned himself with a silent partner named Hallow, a name well known to officials in South Carolina. I will have more information about Jerry's silent relationship with Hallow as you continue reading and in future posts.

PeSheWa refused to use big-time promoters. He raised what money he could to pay taxes and filtered the rest into the Native American Church. The SC bingo permit was issued to Native American Indian Media Corporation, based in SC. The NAC never had a SC corporate presence. So he took money from a SC charity and funneled it to a TN Corporation, by his own admission. PeSheWa is not only a Shawnee Indian but a 51-year-old Indian priest. And his mission from his church -- he took vows in 1974 -- has been to enter the white man's business world and raise money to help the needy. Jerry Dills is his own church, and he is definitely needy, and greedy. This will all become more clear soon.

His life's path as an Indian has included figuring out ways to honor his heritage. I can only presume that he is still trying to figure out what those ways are...

His grandmother, Rebecca Eagle, was married to John Dills from Illinois, and they moved to Spartanburg so he could work on the railroad. The family never left. During the 8-10 years I associated with Jerry Dills, he claimed his Indian heritage was from his father's side. This maternal connection was news to me.

PeSheWa (which means mountain lion) walked in white man's shoes as Jerry Dills. He graduated from Spartanburg High School. A couple of local businessmen helped pay his way through college, where he played basketball. He went on to complete a psychology degree at Wofford College in 1968 and then studied similar courses at more than a half dozen other colleges across the Southeast. A more accurate interpretation of Jerry's Indian name is actually "wild cat." I am in the process of verifying the degree with Wofford College and will update this post once I have that information. Note that Dills does not claim doctorate degrees, nor does the prefix "Dr." appear anywhere in this article although he claimed these designations before, and after, this article appeared.

Shortly after graduation, he worked for the S.C. Commission for the Blind, but he shed his suits and filed bankruptcy. This is true, except for the part about wearing suits.

He left to study with 12 medicine men from Mexico to India. He camped in teepees and toughed it out on mountainsides. After his study of life, he took vows of priesthood with his church and started raising money to "expand consciousness of American Indians." There is no way to verify this information. Jerry has claimed two doctorate degrees from the "Native Americas University" based in Mexico. I am also unclear why expanding consciousness requires raising money. Oh yeah, wait a second ... Jerry Dills worships money ... so the more money, the higher the consciousness?

"He was raising money for a purpose. He wasn't living a frivolous life," said Sen. John Russell, adding that PeSheWa has been calling him to talk about problems with bingo and big promoters for the past two years. Note that Jerry Dills immediately began cultivating a friendship with a powerful politician. It seems Jerry Dills forgot to mention to Senator Russell his silent partnership with Hallow. It also appears that Jerry Dills completely omitted his involvement with the largest bingo game in Tennessee and that he was the target of a federal investigation for his activities in the late 1980s. Amazing how these details seem to slip Jerry Dills' memory. I will have specific details of the TN bingo activities and the federal probe, which was widely reported, in an upcoming post.

Last year, the S.C. Legislature passed a tax on gross income from bingo revenues. The law was aimed at the promoters but is hurting the charities, Russell said. With the new tax on bingo came a 20 percent drop in charitable contributions.

With some of the bingo earnings, PeSheWa and his church bought seven acres of land off Interstate 40 near Strawberry Plains, Tenn. On the land are three totem poles carved from cedar. The first represents peace, the next medicine and the last creation -- a woman carrying a shield on her back, one of her arms holding the hand of one beside her. She was carved by an Indian who was a convicted felon who took up woodworking while in prison. Yes, and no. The three totems mentioned were carved by Roger Crowe (Cherokee), John Paul CutThroat (Lakota Sioux) and a non-Indian named Joe, who had been in prison. When he got out of prison, he dedicated his life to the church. That is, until Dills chased him off, prior to this article appearing.

A 50-foot-long concrete monument also has been erected near the totem poles. PeSheWa dreams that one day the valley will be filled with symbolic poles and the monuments will be covered in cedar and carved with names of thousands of tribal people, past and present, who have contributed to the world culture.

He calls the valley off the busy interstate the "Valley of the Totems." Apparently, he now calls this site his "sacred grounds" as described in an earlier post.

He said his plans for the monument have been developing in his head over the last 18 years. But he believes life is a constant journey and the totems are one part of it.

He also has spent the last two decades writing grants for Indian programs. Untrue. He has been associated with others who wrote those grants, but Dills has never written the first grant proposal, ever, and cannot produce one he wrote if he needed to. He's headed bingo fundraisers in Tennessee and was the co-founder of the Tennessee Indian Council, the first statewide delivery system for Indians. No, and yes. Jerry Dills / Peshewa was not a co-founder or incorporator of TIC at all, which is a matter of public record. What is true is that he was hired by Fritz Niggeler, who was the founder of TIC, to run the east Tennessee part of the statewide programs, back in the mid-1970s. Fritz found Jerry Dills by pouring through records in the unemployment office in Knoxville as he was seeking persons of Indian heritage to recruit as his staff so he could start operations. And yes, it is true that Jerry Dills later operated the largest bingo game in Tennessee, after engineering an overthrow of the TIC Board of Directors (which I helped him plan and execute); and, he was also silent partners in numerous other bingo games, mostly in east Tennessee. More detail on this and his relationships with organized crime "creative businessmen" to come in a future post.

In the mid-80s, one of his projects included an Indian newspaper concerning Indian and global affairs. He printed three issues, and money ran dry, but his publications won awards from the Native American Press Association. A few falsehoods are presented here. Actually, Jerry Dills refused to finance the complete mailing of issue three of the paper, and over 12,000 copies of that paper, bagged and ready to mail, were eventually thrown in the dumpster; he then stole a $3500 grant from the East Tennessee Foundation made to Native American Indian Media Corporation, to fund issue four of that paper, and did absolutely nothing after drawing those funds down; and, finally, the publication has never won any awards from NAPA, or any awards at all, and that is easily established. More on all this in an upcoming post.

And beyond the goal to establish the first monument honoring Native Americans, he has helped others. He can rattle off lists of ways he spent the money to help other people in Spartanburg. But his favorite charity has always been playing Santa Claus -- something he has found joy in doing for nearly 20 years. True and false. Jerry played Santa Claus for about 4-5 years than abandoned that "project." He has not played this role since this article appeared.

Last year, he spent $15,000 of his church funds to purchase truck-loads of toys for needy children. He personally delivers them to homes across six states. Six states?? I guess he flew around on his magic sleigh? He delivered toys within the Knoxville, TN area, and perhaps the Spartanburg, SC area, and then only for a few years. What a crock of crap.

"If I could be one person in history, it would be Santa Clause," says PeSheWa with a sheepish smile. He admits he looks an awful lot like the Christmas character anyway. A fictitious priest pretending to be a fictitious Christmas character. It does somehow seem fitting...

He also keeps an artificial Christmas tree lighted year-round in his primitive, clapboard house he built near Knoxville, Tenn. He has a similar family farm in Spartanburg The farm was his mother's, Thelma Dills.

PeSheWa has four children, ages 3 to 11. All are taught at home. A recent DHS complaint was filed in 2009 against Jerry Dills for not educating his children, who mostly remain unable to read or write as of 2010. The complaint was dismissed with only a cursory investigation, one can only presume, because Jerry bamboozled the investigator with bullshit piled deep. Too bad the investigator failed to actually determine if his kids had ever been educated. Their hair is worn in braids and never cut. The oldest -- Shanti, which means peace -- is being reared as a priest. Note that Jerry now has six legitimate children by two wives, as noted in an earlier post. Several of Dills' children, including Shanti, have since rejected his dad's teachings and are members of a Christian Church and do not practice the Native American faith. Shanti, who just turned 28 years old, is currently working on obtaining his GED, never having graduated from high school or anything equivalent.

Around his neck, PeSheWa always wears leather bundles. The last two he will give his youngest daughters once they are older. The bundles are filled with simple things -- rocks and shells they picked up together. The bundles can be opened at anytime. But the objects inside mean something only to his daughters and himself.

His main complaint about society is that people live in the future too much, waiting on what they think they will become. He plans to write his own book of thoughts. The title of his book will be "The Days of Gone." WTF?? These "days" can't be "gone" soon enough in my opinion.

"People are always waiting to become something. When you are born, you are something. There is no becoming. Instead of life after death, we should worry about life after birth."

PeSheWa, in his years as a priest, has had thousands of people come to him to help cope with a troubled, stressful world. Thousands of people?? Really?? This is so laughable as to be beyond the pale. Dills would be hard pressed to name two dozen people he has helped in 40 years, mostly having helped himself. It is actually much easier to name the people he has caused great harm and hardship to, and there are many of them with independent but similar stories to tell, stories waiting to be told.

One of the many who have sought help from PeSheWa is Mark, who was working at a convenience store on Reidville Road when a friend mentioned "Doc" to him. Mark, a commercial artist, said he was at "death's door." He was preparing to commit suicide, he said.

Because of his studies with PeSheWa, he said he is a new person. He carries a journal, which includes his feeling and interpretations of life. So where is Mark now? That is an interesting story that will not be shared here, but maybe Mark will stumble into this thread and add his story to this discussion. You out there Mark? Jump on in here. Maybe provide an update as to how Jerry's "help" worked out for you?

"People come to him for help, and he basically shows them that it is OK to just be yourself," said Marion, PeSheWa's wife.

Some may study with him for three to 10 years, PeSheWa said.

"The idea is to find your center," he said. He said too many people get caught in a forced routine of living and forced images of reality.

"People are always looking for security and absolutes, but everything is relative, beyond what we can see," he said.

"Most people in Spartanburg just see me as the Bingo Man, but I live a life beyond that. If you don't do something everyday that enriches your soul and benefits others, you aren't really living," he said.

PeSheWa is in a transition period. He said bingo corruption in the state has pushed him on. This is an interesting assertion he makes because Jerry Dills operated his own SC game and did not use any outside operator. Again, more on his relationship with Hallow to come. The next journey will be to read federal grant proposals for minorities. Yep, reading proposals is not the same as writing them.

"I'm leaving behind a lot of friends in Spartanburg, but I've realized I can't run with the big dogs and live with myself. I've got to answer to Grandfather, the Creator." An interesting play on words here. Yes, Jerry did run with the "big dogs" and tried to beat them at their own game. More on this "can't run with the big dogs and live with myself" follows below.

The S.C. tax Commission admits there is a problem with bingo. They say they are looking into it. Only 1 percent of the revenues generated in this state went to charities last year. This is almost verbatim what the TN Department of Revenue and TN Secretary of State were saying prior to bingo being outlawed in TN. History does seem to repeat itself...

Less than half a dozen bingo licenses are held by churches, according to a special task force of the commission. Jerry Dills had this newspaper reporter believe the permit was issued to Jerry's church. This is a calculated misrepresentation by Dills. The public record will show the permit was issued to Native American Indian Media Corporation based in Greenville, SC, and not to a church. More on this in a future post.

"We know there is corruption and that most promoters are crooked." Correct, and Jerry Dills was his own promoter and operator, and is crooked. More to come. We'd like to see them brought under control," said Danny Brazell, spokesman for the commission. Now we're beginning to see one of the reasons why Jerry Dills cut and ran from SC bingo. More to come.

"Big-time promoters are siphoning off business and corrupting bingo, making it difficult for the honest man," Brazell said. I agree completely.


Comments follow in the next post...

clearwater


[EDIT/UPDATE:] As promised, I am updating this post as to Jerry Dills' degree from Wofford College. I drove to Spartanburg this morning and visited the Wofford College Library. The record does indeed show that Jerry Neal Dills received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 from Wofford College. It appears he transfered from another local school and completed the last two years of his degree at Wofford. In that year, psychology was offered as a BA degree. In an earlier post I had stated that Jerry has not received any degree from any university. I stand corrected. --clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 09, 2010, 03:40:01 pm

Now some additional comments, analysis and a few personal insights to place this article in a larger context:

This article represents Jerry Dills' bullshit at its best: he uses legitimate resources (in this case, a newspaper article and a cultivated friendship with a Senator) to weave lies with some glimmers of truth. Here, he is playing the victim of the "big dog" bad guys, and you will note that he solicited the help over a two year period, and comments for this article, from Senator John Russell, a well-respected and powerful individual in South Carolina, who lives in Spartanburg.

Note that the article refers to Jerry's complaining about many things. That itself is revealing. Also note that Jerry makes numerous references to "his" church, implying ownership, which is quite accurate. Dills' Native American Church is all about Jerry Dills, and nothing about the Native American faith.

It is also interesting to note that Jerry Dills grew up in Spartanburg, SC. Nowhere in this article does he refer to himself as having PhD's or being a "Dr." although he claims that throughout most of his adult life outside of SC. Too many people in the upstate SC area would know this to be false so it's understandable why he downplayed this.

Also let's take a look at Dills' mission statement as reported in the article: "And his mission from his church -- he took vows in 1974 -- has been to enter the white man's business world and raise money to help the needy." As already documented in this thread, Jerry Dills had numerous corporations and let them all be dissolved in 1991, 92 and 93 (a time frame which coincides with when Jerry was busy operating bingo in South Carolina, digging a very deep hole for himself there). All his corporations were dissolved by administrative action by the TN Secretary of State -- with the exception of the Native American Church, Inc. This means that annual reports were not filed and other procedures were not properly followed, so the companies were dissolved by the state. It is clear that by the time this article appeared, Jerry Dills had decided that his best haven was to hide behind the corporate shell of the Native American Church, Inc. In this article he evens talks about funneling funds to the church in TN, although the permit was in the name of another corporation in SC.

Here is a more plausible, accurate and truthful version of what happened in South Carolina, which I will support in posts to this thread in coming days and weeks. This information is derived from conversations with several of the people who were involved with that operation, and well as my personal, first-hand knowledge I have of the situation there.

The bingo game in Spartanburg, SC was initiated immediately after bingo in Tennessee was declared illegal by the TN legislature in 1989. Without missing a beat, Jerry moved the operations to Spartanburg, SC and began immediately setting up operations at an old Bi-Lo grocery store building on Interstate 26, Reidville Road exit. As he was setting up operations, a figure well known to be connected with organized crime "creative business," Hallow, made himself known to Jerry, who accepted him as a silent partner in the bingo operation before it even opened its doors. (I was there the day Hallow walked in the door, and also have other personal first-hand information which I will share soon. It was very soon after this that I departed Jerry's group forever, prior to the game opening but just after the bingo license was obtained.) This relationship is well remembered by those who participated in operating that game in SC so it is not just my knowledge of this silent partnership. Others will be able to confirm this was going on.

The bingo permit was issued to the Native American Indian Media Corporation, a 501(c)(3) organization with roots in Greenville, SC (and later incorporated as a foreign corporation in Tennessee, but allowed to dissolve by Jerry Dills as already documented in this thread). The initial bingo permit was paid for by Hallow. The Native American Church never had any operations or license to this game, except for the fact that Jerry Dills intentionally blurs these together in the web of lies he weaves. Note that the article leads you to believe that the license was to NAC, because that is what Jerry Dills told this reporter. This is simply a falsehood.

Because of the demise of Jerry's bingo operation in Tennessee, several people key to covering Jerry's ass in his questionable activities in those games, no longer wished to be associated with him, for obvious reasons, myself included (I will describe my culpability in Dills' activities in TN in an upcoming post). He therefore leaned on one of his nephews to deal with the money laundering, so he could, as usual and is his style, claim "plausible deniability" should something go awry (more on this later). At this point it is crucial to understand the political environment that was happening just prior to bingo games being shut down in Tennessee. Because of the ongoing investigations there at that time, which was widely reported in the media, no organized crime "creative business" person was about to involve themselves with the Tennessee Indian Council bingo game, which had the effect of giving Jerry Dills the false sense that he had beaten the "big dogs" at their own game. Not at all. It's just that there was too much heat and scrutiny in the industry as a whole in Tennessee, from the bottom to the top, so Jerry's operation was left alone by the "big dogs," that's all. Then bingo was made illegal in TN and it all became moot anyway.

So, when Hallow walks in the door prior to launching in Spartanburg, Jerry did, I believe, feel emboldened to try to beat this guy at his open game. After all, he did that in Tennessee, right? Jerry immediately accepted this person as a silent partner in order to open his doors. In time Jerry played a very dangerous game with Hallow and did not live up to his covenants made with the "big dogs." Let's just say that a little bird told me that, because Jerry Dills dishonored the code of conduct so necessary to maintain with someone like Hallow, several things were unleashed on Jerry's operation. I will have more specific information about my own personal interactions with Hallow and how I know these things, from first-hand personal knowledge, in an upcoming post. Now is the time for broad bush strokes only regarding Hallow.

In an earlier post here I reported a recent phone conversation I had with "silver star" who was at the bingo game in SC until it ended in 1993. (Silver star helped me remember the time frame of these events, by the way.) Silver star seems to believe that there was a federal investigation which shut the game down. However, in my research I have not been able to verify that. What I did find, however, is that the SC Tax Commission had Jerry Dills' bingo operation in its sights and was starting to come down pretty hard, from what I have been able to understand, how events there unfolded. This was never reported in the local media there but was an ongoing probe.

Without competent helpers who knew bookkeeping and other tricks to maintain believable reporting on a cash-based business like bingo, Jerry had maintained no books on the Spartanburg game and was unable to withstand any level of scrutiny. Combined with what was being unleashed on him, Jerry Dills decided, probably very wisely, that the best thing to do was cut and run. It will be remembered by many that he shut down operations and left rather abruptly, heading back to Tennessee in a hurry. However, to maintain the illusion of legitimacy, and also to publicly explain his rapid departure from South Carolina, he solicited the help of Sen. Russell one last time for this article (and who, in all likelihood, helped call off the SC Tax Commission, that's what politicians are good for, in Jerry's world and who, in all likelihood, helped arrange for this article to be written. It's also of note that the article was written three weeks after Jerry voluntarily closed his game down, but he was already back in Tennessee by then). Then Jerry whined, complaining publicly about the bad guys shutting him down. So now let's revisit his quote above in this light. As Jerry himself stated, "I'm leaving behind a lot of friends in Spartanburg, but I've realized I can't run with the big dogs and live with myself. I've got to answer to Grandfather, the Creator." That's fairly accurate, surprisingly, on a variety of levels. A glimmer of truth there. The big dogs were in fact kicking Jerry's ass because he had violated his agreements first and foremost, and then he was clueless on what it took to actually cover his ass when the going got tough and the spotlight started to shine on him. Time to high tail and run. And run he did.

(I have heard in the last few weeks from a very reliable source in South Carolina, who recalled reading an obituary for MaCaki Peshewa in a small hometown paper about this time, the early to mid 1990s. Until my conversation with this person a few weeks ago, she thought Jerry had died because she had read his obituary. This would make sense to me given the individual that Jerry had decided to screw in business. However, I have not been able to verify this information, so I will continue, as I am able, to see if there is such a published obit on Peshewa. If found, i will post it to this forum.)

Jerry Dills also ran to Jim Lee, a respected tax man and (IRS) Enrolled Agent in Knoxville, Tennessee, to try to recreate the mess he had made of bookkeeping in Spartanburg. By now, bailing out Jerry's ass was a familiar task for Jim Lee. I am pretty confident that the "$100,000" loss Jerry refers to is, in part, his inability to reconcile what he was stealing, a drop in the bucket, really. Also, I can almost wager that Jerry Dills complained about records being stolen or lost so that the complete picture would never be known. This was a ploy Jerry has used many times in the past: lost or stolen records. (More on that later.) Poor, poor old Jerry, always the victim. Jim Lee may, or may not, have some interesting information to share in this respect. This was 17 years ago and tax records only need to be maintained for 3-5 years.  But memories last a lot longer. Lucky Jerry, or not?

So, in regards to the South Carolina bingo game, Jerry basically pissed off the wrong people, brings scrutiny on himself and his operations, high tails and runs, then hides behind his powerful friends, but not before soliciting a newspaper article to maintain his illusions and delusions and explain to the public why he ran. This is a recurring theme with Jerry Dills. As stated in an earlier post, Jerry Dills has always made sure he has powerful friends. And this is a pretty good example of why. Once light begins shining on Jerry Dills for who and what he is, Jerry Dills always runs away, hides behind his friends, and sticks his tongue out as he's leaving, which is exactly what he did here. Folks like Senator Russell, and Jim Lee, are above reproach and highly credible, and will not take too kindly to being snowed by Jerry's ongoing bullshit. Who would?

All of my comments above will be expanded to some degree in future post(s) as I am able to continue this ongoing research. As I can, I will scan and present these materials in this public forum. In addition to documents, there is additional first-hand information I will share from my own personal experiences with Jerry Dills and his bastardized church, which will help tie things together, but cannot yet share until I have the documentary support to back up my words and claims. These things take time, especially since most of these documents are on microfilm with no indexes, spread across three libraries over two states, spanning about a 25 year period. However, state and federal investigators in SC and TN should be taking some interest in how this all ties together. And it's far from over. Indeed, it may even be ongoing to this day ... for example, "silver star" seems to believe that Jerry Dills has some sort of ongoing "legitimate" connections with the bingo operation on the Catawba Reservation in Rock Hill, SC, or some tie with the Catawba Nation of some kind. I have no information on this, and silver star could not provide any more details other than Jerry Dills had done some sort of work with the Catawbas. Although, it would not surprise me if that were revealed to have some basis worth looking into.

One point of note is that after departing South Carolina in 1993, Jerry Dills laid low for more than 7 years, then re-emerged in 2001-2002 with his numerous websites. Just enough time for the statute of limitations to pass on his criminal activities in South Carolina. How convenient.

Within the next few days and weeks I will be making a series of posts which have started with this post about Jerry Dills' activities in South Carolina, and progress backwards in time, back to his activities in Tennessee. This will be very revealing and will shine some much needed light into the darkness of Jerry Dills and his delusional and dangerous world, and will tie together what until now has been disassociated, disjointed facts regarding Jerry Dills.

Jerry's main problem was, and remains, that he plays with forces he does not understand, and he combines elements of Native American rituals and powers, with elements of the voodoo religion, elements of business and powerful friends, with figures in the realm of organized crime, along with his heavy use of psychotropic drugs and other narcotics (which he also administers to some of his faithful followers), and the use of painful personal experiences of some of his followers, myself included, all spun together in a fabulous web of deception, lies, broken lives and criminal activity, in a world he has created for himself, all for his own personal benefit and his personal intent. All under the guise of the Native American Church, a legitimate church and religion. A poster to this thread pointed out earlier that Jerry Dills has bastardized the real Native American Church. I concur with that view.

Here, I will now address Jerry Dills personally and directly, so this paragraph is written directly to Jerry Dills, for his benefit: With regards to me personally, after departing your "church" in 1988-1989, you chose to target me and used some extremely painful memories of events of sexual abuse which happened in my life when I was a youngster of 13 years old, combined with one mistake I made in that realm when I was a youngster of 19 years old, a mistake I have never repeated since. I came to you for help and shared with you what happened to me at 13, and what I had done to another at 19, within days of that event. Steve Lohrey also knows these truths because he was in the room when I told you this, at your Tennessee Indian Council office located on the University of Tennessee campus. Instead of helping me, you held me at arm's length for nearly a decade, nearly drove me to suicide, and used my talents for your own intent, claiming my work as yours, which you continue to do to this day, and twisted distorted truths with inflated and outrageous lies, for about two decades now. I am fully aware what you have done in regards to trying to destroy me based on your lies, and I am fully aware of what those lies are, and what the truth is in those matters. Some in your group are aware of this but choose to turn away and turn a blind eye, I can only suppose because you provide them a good buzz. You did curb these lies once I sought help from Rossi, and resumed again after Rossi passed away. But you, Jerry, have never really asked the most basic questions of yourself, which are why your conjuring and casting spells on me never worked, and why they always backfired on you? I am well aware of the spells, Jerry. Remember my name on a piece of paper in your bean jar? Yes, I know you did that conjuring. That will have direct meaning to you, as you stole something Rossi showed you, with no understanding of what it was about, and tried a little voodoo on me. So tell me, Jerry, how did that work out for you? To that I will say directly to you, Jerry: it never had anything to do with me or anything I did, nor with Rossi or anything he did, but absolutely everything to do with you and what you do. This is a basic universal truth that seems to escape you. I did not care to learn anything from Rossi other than he showed me how to respect natural forces, to recognize them and not abuse them. He also helped me see you for who you are. Again, Jerry Dills, you do not understand the forces you choose to play with for your twisted, personal intent. And with me, you have simply picked the wrong person to keep fucking with. I am not the wimp you have always believed me to be, and I have silently taken your crap for over two decades now. Too bad you could not let go, as I did, decades ago. I walked away, you would not let go. Your footprints have re-emerged in my life again since I moved away from Tennessee 18 months ago, now I also know exactly why and where that is coming from. Does the name Theresa mean anything to you? Bullshitters, like birds, tend to flock together. As I mentioned earlier, enough is enough. I have nothing to lose here, and nothing to gain. You never understood and are completely clueless to the levels at which I helped you and remained loyal to you, even after I saw through your bullshit and decided to leave on my own. You are clueless and lack respect for me, who gave you nearly every success you now claim as yours, and who shielded you from prosecution by a federal grand jury. I deflected their case against you and intentionally diverted their attention to other things, because I was forced to testify when you yourself hid behind your powerful attorney friends and did not testify. This will become absolutely clear to you soon Jerry, because I am going to spell it out for you in an upcoming post, and will re-tell some of my testimony before the federal grand jury in Nashville, how I covered your ass for you. I will also tell how I covered your stolen funds from the bingo game in Tennessee, something the grand jury just neglected to ask me, so I did not offer that information. So now you know who I am, Jerry. What an idiot you are. Don't kick the people who have helped you, once those people, like me, see through you. That was my only infraction with you: seeing you for who you truly are, and that pissed you off, and you've been after me ever since. I know far more about you than you ever thought you knew about me, you have aired my laundry, adding your own dirt along the way, to all who would listen to your crap for decades, so now let's take a look at your laundry ... and let Life decide. Forget all about investigators and federal prosecutors and all that stuff. For you in this moment all that is irrelevant. That is the least of your concerns. In truth, Who is dirty and Who is clean? I put this question to the Life force to resolve. If I am the dirty evil person you have claimed me to be, then I will take whatever Life has to send my way to balance that out, with love, and no regrets. Will you do the same, Jerry? I do not now, nor have I ever held malice towards you, as you have towards me. I do not take joy in doing this here, nor can I rejoice if your world crumbles apart. I hope it does, that's for sure, but I will not rejoice in it. If anything, I might -- just might -- shed a tear for you. But probably not. It's now crystal clear to me why I googled your name last year and came upon this thread. It was not by chance. I have not been afraid of you for decades, I am unafraid of you now, and I am telling a powerful story. Except, I am telling truth to your lies. As I say, let's both, you and me, put this question to the Life force and go from there. That is what I am doing. Are you? Can you? We'll see. Life has a way of balancing these things out, with or without awareness of its movements or the beauty there to be found. When you violate natural laws, these things just kind of take care of themselves. I learned that a long time ago. Of that, I have absolutely no doubt. I know. And so should you. You should probably take time to examine the truth I have just shared with you here, as you may finally learn something useful.

So, in regards to the initial purpose of this post, Is this Native American Church for real? ... there is much more factual and supportable information to share regarding the mis-deeds and questionable activities of Jerry Neal Dills, who basically is the NAC in Strawberry Plains, TN. So hopefully, this question may finally be put to rest soon. More documents and first-hand experiences to come very soon...

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: dabosijigwokush on February 09, 2010, 09:42:41 pm
in bad taste i made a joke about picture # three sorry
so the question is who built the items in picture #3, as in being a native ceremony sight
how long have they been there
are they documented as a historic sight, by historians or state or native groups
and if they are or if they are not real, is he using them as a validation for his church
and next what to do about it, if they are fake remove them
if they are real remove him and his kind from disturbing it
and putting it under protection
 
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 09, 2010, 11:32:48 pm
LOL. I wondered if that was a joke or serious, so I opted to assume you were serious. Thanks for the clarification. Here are the asnwers to your questions.


in bad taste i made a joke about picture # three sorry
so the question is who built the items in picture #3, as in being a native ceremony sight
how long have they been there
Totems since about 1985-1986. I do not know who made the fire circle or the medicine wheel. My beliefe would be this was done by Dills' apprentices. The building was built after 1993.

are they documented as a historic sight, by historians or state or native groups
No.

and if they are or if they are not real, is he using them as a validation for his church
In the newspaper article I included above, you will find two links to the actual article I scanned. Take a look at those scans/links. You will see Dills standing next to those totems. I am not Native American, I am white, so I cannot respond to what a real totem is. Dills claims Shawnee heritage. Are totems part of the Shawnee culture? I think his intent here was to combine various cultures and traditions into a world-based system. He alludes to that in the article. Regarding validation for his church, that he uses the totems in newpaper articles to validate himself, since he is his own church, I would have to say yes, he uses these to validate his church.

and next what to do about it, if they are fake remove them
if they are real remove him and his kind from disturbing it
and putting it under protection

I do not know how to respond or proceed. All I can do here is continue researching, and reporting the findings of my research. This is the position I take here and I will let others make these calls on these matters.


For convenience, here are the links to the scanned newspaper article. Note the photos and photo captions:
View Page B1 (http://nacfraudresearch.googlegroups.com/web/HJ_scan_pgB1.jpg?gda=LrV3tUgAAABBDaSbIKyeKisQzXWVdQqY_8JTYAyQD80q-mU0SDEzEC1RIrDJ1XsDDQbm_L2ScfYw_EwnBJKD4g7L12urrrzAGjVgdwNi-BwrUzBGT2hOzg&pli=1)   View Page B5 (http://nacfraudresearch.googlegroups.com/web/HJ_scan_pgB5.jpg?gda=Q_A34UMAAABBDaSbIKyeKisQzXWVdQqYrevVEKPkDqttNlqyaMtwjcx44Ooyi1n3Ov-WDv6CD_AytiJ-HdGYYcPi_09pl8N7FWLveOaWjzbYnpnkpmxcWg&gsc=So4sUwsAAAAfIBgwqY0hC0wnnrZqk41T)

Regarding Dills' "sacred grounds" I found it disturbing in the above article, he made this assertion which was included in that newpaper article: "With some of the bingo earnings, PeSheWa and his church bought seven acres of land off Interstate 40 near Strawberry Plains, Tenn. On the land are three totem poles carved from cedar."

I did not directly address this because I am still researching this. Here, Dills is presenting the illusion that the "sacred grounds" were acquired during the SC bingo operation, which started around 1989 or 1990 and ended in 1993. I know this to be false, but will require research. He actually acquiried that land in the mid-1980s. My initial research shows that he set up what is called an "irrevocable trust" in 1994 (after th SC bingo operation ended) and transfered ownership of the land to that trust, which also happens to be in his name, personally. To anyone who knows what this type of trust is, it is a hybrid corporate entity which supercedes wills and the courts and cannot be pierced through the courts. This is a device used by the very wealthy to protect their assets and to pass on property and posessions without using a will. Here is a link to the land platte and ownership records for his "sacred grounds"

Click to view property tax records for "sacred grounds" (http://www.kgis.org/KnoxNetWhere/HTML/scripts/asp/MapAndDetailsReport.asp?SearchBy=Address&DetailsValue=227286&MapValue=073%20%20069&MapHeight=350&MapWidth=385)

As shown in this link, ownership of this land was transferred to "CHURCH NATIVE AMERICAN TR UST & PESHEWA DR MACAKI T" which will be shown to be an irrevocable trust. I will have to dig deeper to find historical property transfers, to document that Dills actually acquired this land in the mid-1980s. Also, the name of the trustees will be secret and cannot be pierced, unless...

The 7.2 acres he calls his "sacred grounds" is worth from $100,000 - $400,000 per acre, putting the value of that property at $720,000 conservatively, up to about $2,880,000. Not bad for a little ol' Native American Church in Strawberry Plains, TN, huh? This is in addition to other property owned nearby, which I will also discuss soon, and also does not include how the veil of the Native American Church has been used to counter personal property tax leins, a no-no for how you're supposed to use the tax protection offered by churches and trusts. A big no-no to most tax agencies.

The thing about an irrevocable trust is, this is a separate entity not directly related to his Native American Church, Inc. An irrevocable trust can be revoked if the purpose and activities that supported or created it are found to be illegal. That should not be much of a problem. Perhaps the TN Department of Revenue may wish to take a look at this?

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: dabosijigwokush on February 10, 2010, 04:44:35 am
http://www.tnla.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=149

http://cita.chattanooga.org/TNNAorgs.html

http://www.tncia.org/organizations.html

# Native American Church, Inc. (1981-89, 1993- )
Dr. PeSheWa, Shawnee, is a Priest in the Ne’ishte’ Kiva and in the Native American Church. He currently is working on the establishment of Sacred Ground. Nine years ago on a piece of land on Interstate 40 near Knoxville, he set the first Totem. Now there are four totems; the base for the first indigenous memorial (220 feet long); a community center, complete with restaurant; an art gallery; a gift shop; a 55 foot medicine wheel; and a 1000 foot red path.
P.O. Box 59
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

http://www.nativepages.com/opendoor/index.php/contacts-resources/active-tn-organizations/

Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 10, 2010, 03:12:33 pm
dabosijigwokush, your question was:

Quote
are they documented as a historic sight, by historians or state or native groups

You did not ask me of these sites were listed in public directories. That had already been etablished in this thread. The links merely show that the site has been submitted for inclusion in these listings.

The listings you cite are merely listings, based on submissions to them and are not independently verified. Is that the type of documentation you were asking for? Being listed in a directory based on solicitations for submissions is documentation? This is not done by historians, but based on self-declaration. And, you will find wide disagreement among native roups in Tennessee as to this information.

Other posters have already provided references in this thread to the links you cite again here. One poster has already observed that the link to cita.chattanooga.org "...reads like a Who's Who of Wannabes and Pretendians, with a few legitimate organizations thrown in)" to which I don't disagree.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: dabosijigwokush on February 10, 2010, 03:33:53 pm
i don't know tn laws but having a restaurant ,a art center, and trading post and other things for profit on that property
listed as a non profit church , i could see the state having a problem with this
as to the construction done at the sight the last post states he put up the totem poles and is trying to make this a Sacred grounds for profit
they are not listed as any thing native with any state run service
this is fraud
Native American Church, Inc. http://nativeamericanchurch.com/ Based in Strawberry Plains, this group provides information on their website about spirituality, American Indian religious freedom, ecology, and harmony.
this is the truth
caveat: The vast majority of these groups do not meet the state's
1990 recognition criteria for "Native American Indian Organizations".

Native American Church, Inc. (1981-89, 1993- )
PO Box 53, Strawberry Plains TN 37871 . 865/ 933.1456
www.NativeAmericanChurch.com . elders
Jerry Neal Dills aka "Dr. MaCaki PeSheWa" drpeshewa
Darrell Ridenour
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 10, 2010, 03:42:59 pm
This is second-hand information provided to me by "silver star" who I know is monitoring this thread. If I am mis-characterizing what you have conveyed to me, silver star, then please correct me.

Silver star shared with me that one of Dills' apprentices, who owns land adjoining Dills, got into tax difficulties when he did not pay his property taxes. Either a lein was about to be filed, or had been filed, and to erase the debt, agreed to have ownership of his land transferred to the Native American Church.

This morning I checked on that and indeed, the ownership of the land on which T.W. lives was deeded to "CHURCH NATIVE AMERICAN TR UST" in 1994.

T.W. still lives on that property as his personal residence. If this is shown to be true, as relayed to me by silver star, then this would be one huge crack in the croporate veil of the Native American Church Trust.

clearwater


------------------------------------------

dabosijigwokush made the above post while I was typing this post. All I can say is, thank you for your research and helping to keep me focussed. I have already documented that the NAC website is part of an overall effort by Dills to create an illusion of legitimacy, and have documented the various websites promoting his agenda that all are cross-linked and self-promoting. Also understand that I know this person well, and in these websites he offers himself as two people: Dr. Macaki Peshewa, and Neishte. These are the same individual. Please follow all the links to all the websites found there, and read all the materials. Again, other posters to this thread have already reviewed these materials and offered their opinions, and your opinion is also appreciated.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 12, 2010, 04:25:06 pm
For personal reasons unrelated to this thread or this forum, I will be needing to spend my time and full attention to other things in my life (it's all good). I realize that at many levels this participating in this thread has been an experience which has helped me to clarify my past experiences with Jerry Dills (I am clearwater, after all) and also to realize that again, Jerry Dills occupies far too much of my time and attention. He has taken enough of that already from my life.

Since my last few posts my dreams have been very interesting, to say the least. I realize that this forum has helped me considerably, at a personal level, to understand these activities I participated in with Jerry Dills and his "Native American Church." But I also realize now that this forum is perhaps not the best place to share all the information I know, because I can only share it in drips and drabs as I can do research, etc. So, over the last day or so I have prepared a very concise 18-page letter which provides great detail and supporting information as to everything I know about Jerry Dills, and I have signed this letter with a notorized Affidavit under penalties of perjury.

This letter has been mailed today (Moma_porcupine: take note!:)) via certified first class mail, to the federal and state agencies I already cited in an earlier post to this thread.

If and when anything of note comes forth from this, I will share that nformation in this forum.

In the meantime, another poster to this thread and I have exchanged a few private messages back and forth and that individual has found some interesting information, or I should say the lack of listings about NAC in TN, shared with me in private, and I have asked that individual to share his/her findings and opinion here in public.

I will be posting less frequently but will keep the NAFPS forum updated if there is anything to be updated.

Many blessings.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 13, 2010, 06:16:07 pm
I will make a few quick posts here to pin down some loose ends left from my earlier posts to this thread. This and a few more posts are specific to the topic of this thread, "Is This For Real?"

In several of my posts I alluded to Jerry Dills' "church" as being a cult, rather than a church. This is not in any way meant to disparage the real Native American Church, which is absolutely legitimate. My comments are made in reference to Jerry Dills (Peshewa) only, and his cult-like bogus church, which he happens to call the "Native American Church."

Personally, I was with that group for nearly a decade, and have always felt that Dills' church felt more like a cult than a church. In doing research on this topic, I came across some very interesting and pertinent articles which helped me clarify this in my mind.

In an earlier post I made in this thread, I went to great lengths to document the legitimate Native American Church, and concluded that Dill's church is a cult, with a basic test which I devised on my own, the "I Know It When I See It" test. I firmly believe that test will withstand scrutiny at any level. Those reading this thread in full will have already read the logic behind that test. Only later, in digging deeper into what is in fact a "church" and a "cult," I came across this article, which quotes Rick Ross, who heads an institute and website dedicated to exposing cults. In that articles, is found this quote:

http://www.rickross.com/reference/brainwashing/brainwashing56.html
Quote
When it comes to cults, there's an old joke among religious scholars: A cult is a cult is a cult -- unless it's my religious group.

That jest highlights the tendency many people have to treat the identification of cults almost like the pinpointing of pornography. The don't have a good definition of what makes a cult, but they're sure they'll know one when they see it.

The FBI has produced an article which goes much deeper and includes tests, based primarily on established high court rulings, regarding how "churches" and "cults" are defined. For more information about why Dills' position of authority matters, read the article published by the FBI entitled "Cults: A Conflict Between Religious Liberty and Involuntary Servitude" and I am providing a link to this article below. A very interesting read directly relevant to Jerry Dills' position of authority and his questionable practices and activities.

I will not bore those reading this post with specifics, or what these tests are or how they are applied. You can read this article and come to your own conclusions. Here is a link to that article, which is a 15-page .pdf file. Interesting stuff:

Cults: A Conflict Between Religious Liberty and Involuntary Servitude
by Orlin D. Lucksted and D.F. Martell
Special Agents and Legal Instructors
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Click here to read or download the article (.pdf file) (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/1982_Cults_Lucksted_Martell_FBI.pdf)
(This is a rather large file (6mb) so be patient...)

Happy reading :)

clearwater


Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 13, 2010, 06:18:44 pm
Another post to pin down some loose ends. I am making this post in case this was overlooked in one of my earlier posts. This is directly relevant to the question, "Is This For Real?"

In the 1993 news article which appeared in the Spartanburg Herald-Journal (included in full in an above post), this photo and caption appeared but may have been overlooked by those reading this thread (I'm sorry about the poor quality of the photo, but this will still get the point across):

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/Dills_PipePic.jpg)

The above photo shows Jerry Dills holding an eagle claw pipe. The caption reads: Macaki Peshewa shows his 7-year-old daughter Shamir an "eagle claw" pipe used in pipe ceremonies.

I think that pretty much wraps things up for me. If and when other pertinent information comes forth, I will share it here.

clearwater


Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: dabosijigwokush on February 14, 2010, 10:30:31 pm
did some non profit research
native american church inc. Tennessee does not show up in guide star sight
native american church inc. Tennessee does not show up in Tennessee Department of State
Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming, as a Registered Charities
http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/FilingSearch.aspx
but i looked up the native american church. national they show up
and upon going to there listing of locations
they do not list any ties to Tennessee
http://web.archive.org/web/20050308162749/www.utah-nac.org/nacindex.html
i believe they might be interested in stopping this fraud as well
first by stripping him of that name and the use of the peyote
and strip them of eagle parts, like a eagle claw pipe if they are not native

i hope this helps
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Unegv Waya on February 15, 2010, 01:43:46 am
I am actually glad to see that there are no NAC chapters listed for Florida.  One less thing for the local crackers to try and claim.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 16, 2010, 07:54:13 pm
(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/KG_article_3-14-88.jpg)    (http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/KG_obit.jpg)

This is in follow up to an earlier post I made, and for which EducatedIndian has suggested some documentation. The above articles arrived in my mail today.

Kelley Graves was placed in this position by Jerry Dills.

Jerry Dills was warned repeatedley that Kelley was not handling the stress very well and should be removed. To gain an idea of the living environment where some of us "apprentices" to Dills lived and worked, well, here it is:

Click here to see TN Indian Bingo location in Memphis, TN, from 1985-1989 (http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=pv9d6w7gx70t&scene=15345880&lvl=1&sty=b&where1=806%20E%20Brooks%20Rd%2C%20Memphis%2C%20TN%2038116-3010)

Jerry failed Kelley in three ways: Jerry was Chairman of the TN Indian Council and was also Kelley's boss; he was Kelley's "priest" and he was Kelley's uncle.

Jerry neglected advance warnings, did nothing at all and a few weeks later Kelley killed himself.

Jerry owned the concessions stand and relied on his nephew to send him these funds every week. This is in addition to the millions of $$ Jerry Dills skimmed off the Memphis bingo game over a two year period, tens of thousands of $$ per month. I have documented all this in great detail in my certified letter to federal and state authorities. As I said, I was there, I know exactly what happened, and I unfortunately helped Jerry do these things. I was young, stupid, and bamboozed by Jerry Dills. No more. Enough is enough.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on February 22, 2010, 03:36:48 pm
Another of Dills' "Indian" corporations I overlooked in an earlier post:

http://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/Common/FilingDetail.aspx?FilingNum=000158170
Dissolved by TN Secretary of State, 1991

Quote
Name: INDIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF THE AMERICAS, INC.
Old Name:  
  
Business Type:  
Status: Inactive - Dissolved (Administrative) Initial Filing: 06/27/1985
Formed in: Shelby County Delayed Effective Date:  
Fiscal Year Close: June AR Due Date: 10/01/1990
Term of Duration: Perpetual Inactive Date: 03/15/1991
 
Principal Office: 1018 OSCAR ARMSTRONG RD
KNOXVILLE, TN 379140000 USA

 
Annual Report
Mailing Address: 1018 OSCAR ARMSTRONG RD
KNOXVILLE, TN 379140000 USA
 
AR Exempt: No
Public Benefit Corporation: Yes

Registered Agent:   LANE, HUNTER  

I should definitely point out here that NONE of Dills' corporations, which he created, and which were listed as "Public Benefit Corporation" ever applied for, or obtained, tax-exempt status from IRS.

This corporation, Indian Historical Society of the Americans, Inc., was used as a shell to funnel money from the Tennessee Indian Council, Inc. to this company, which then paid the bingo workers in Memphis, TN. That was the sole purpose of this company. I know. I wrote the charter for that corporation and signed as incorporator. This is first-hand information of how that corporation was conceived and how it was used.

The Indian Historical Society of the Americas, Inc. was the subject of a federal grand jury investigation along with Jerry Dills, in the late 1980s. I have retained a researcher in west Tennessee to track all those old newspaper articles down for inclusion in this thread.

It is also of note that the ONLY corporation Dills has kept active, is Native American Church, Inc, which is not required to file federal taxes, because it is a "church." That's pretty convenient. Especially in light if the truth that Dills allowed numerous other corporations to be administratively dissloved by the TN Secretary of State...

All of this has been documented in earlier posts to this thread, including direct links to TN Secretary of State's website showing that each corporation was allowed to dissolve, and that the address for all was the same, being one of Dills addresses in Knoxville (Strawberry Plains area).

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on March 07, 2010, 08:29:51 pm

In an earlier post I included a newspaper article from Dills' later years in bingo games, in 1993 when he shut his bingo game down in Spartanburg, SC and ran back to Tennessee. That article was based on Dills' make-believe version of reality, and he conveniently forgot to mention that he had been instrumental in bingo games in Tennessee for over a decade.

The following two articles appeared in the Memphis, Tennessee Commercial Appeal newspaper on the same day, April 8, 1985, and document some of Dills' connections to organized crime figures and his takeover of the Tennessee Indian Council to conduct bingo games.

For those who do not remember, the Butchers, mentioned in this article, owned and operated United American Bank in Tennessee and were primary financiers of the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, TN. Soon after the fair closed, that bank collapsed and and that time, it was one of the largest bank failures in US history and caused ripples nationwide.

This article is very interesting and shows Jerry Dills' involvement with these characters. Some readers here may also know of others named who were involved in Indian world at that time...

--clearwater





Appeared in Memphis' Commercial Appeal
April 8, 1985, page A1


Click to See scannced article, part 1 (http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/ComAppeal_A1_4-8-85_pt1.jpg)   Scanned article, part 2 (http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/ComAppeal_A1_4-8-85_pt2.jpg)

Quote
Butcher link might sink Indian games

By Chuck Cook
and Shirley Downing

Operators of an Indian bingo game in Memphis are central figures in a federal fraud investigation involving Knoxville financier C.H. Butcher Jr.

Federal investigators allege Butcher, after he was forced into bankruptcy in 1983, concealed assets through an Indian bingo game at the Pascua Yaqui Reservation game in Arizona operated by the same people who run the Indian game in Memphis.

They also claim he provided money to purchase rights to the Arizona game near Tucson, Ariz., with money drawn on a secret Cayman Island bank account.

The Arizona Indian bingo game was closed last November by tribal officials amid allegations of profit skimming and rigging of games by employees of its Tennessee-based operators, Val/Del Inc.

Val/Del is a corporation formed by operators of Memphis Indian Bingo at 806 East Brooks Road, apparently for the purpose of operating bingo games on Indian reservations.

Although Butcher's name does not appear on Val/Del's incorporation papers, he has solicited business for the firm and he has allegedly admitted to Arizona Indians that he financed the operation.

Nationally, Indian bingo has become a lucrative business for professional management companies such as Val/Del.

Indian bingo first surfaced in the mid-1970s on a Seminole Indian reservation in Florida. The games, unregulated by the federal government and out of reach of state laws, permit jackpots of up to $250,000 compared to $5,000 limits on regulated games.

Today, almost 60 tribes sponsor bingo games. Some, such as the Pascua Yaquis in Arizona, report unfavorable experiences with the management companies they hire to run their games.

Memphis' Indian Bingo game, operated under the auspices of the Tennessee Indian Council, opened in June 1983 with its proceeds supposedly to be used for job training and educational assistance for Tennessee Indians.

William S. Harris, Jr. of Knoxville, who had worked with the Seminole Indians in Florida, helped open the Memphis operation, said Dr. Mackaki PeSheWa, Indian council chairman.

The drive to get an Indian bingo game in Memphis began in 1981 when Harris approached the Tennessee Indian Council and its director, Fritz Niggler of Old Hickory, Tenn., with a proposal to sponsor a bingo game.

Harris was accompanied by the former Seminole chieftan Howard Tommie, who has been connected with Indian bingo games in Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, California, Minnesota, Nebraska and Washington State.

Police in Florida allege Tommie's partners in a bingo management partnership were former business associates of the late organized crime leader Meyer Lansky.

Tommie and his business partners signed a contract with the Tennessee Indian Council to start the bingo operation in Memphis.

But PeSheWa -- formerly known as Jerry N. Dills -- said the Indian Council decided to run the games without Tommie's assistance.

In March 1983, after the Secretary of State's Office granted a bingo permit to the Indian Council, PeSheWa led a surprise takeover of the Indian Council's board of directors.

Niggler then became president of the Memphis Indian Bingo operation and Harris its manager.

The game, housed in a former skating rink in Whitehaven, opened its doors in June that year.

Meanwhile, Pan American Management, Inc. which was formed to manage Seminole Bingo while Tommie was chief of that tribe, had secured the contract on the Pascua Yaqui game near Tucson. The tribe, however, had grown disillusioned with Pan American.

In January 1984 the principals in the Memphis game -- by then incorporated under the name of Val/Del Inc. -- bought out this contract from Pan American for $550,000.

Harris, Niggler and PeSheWa, along with Knoxville motel operator Gary Long, are the principals of Val/Del Inc., a Delaware corporation.

Val/Del Inc. originally listed a Knoxville address that was the same Executive Park Drive location used for several of C.H. Butcher Jr.'s businesses.

Long's name has surfaced in the federal investigation of both banker Jake Butcher and C.H. Butcher Jr. Records show Long had more than $7 million in loans from financial institutions associated with Jake Butcher.

Pascua Yaqui attorney Jack Lansdale said C.H. Butcher Jr. funded the $550,000 purchase by moving the money through a trust fund for his son, a Texas ranching operations and Swiss and Cayman Island banks.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court exhibits filed March 22 in Knoxville show at least $1.5 million went through accounts controlled by the son, C.H. 'Butch' Butcher III, to a Swiss bank in the Cayman Islands.

C.H. Butcher Jr. was forced by creditors into bankruptcy in July 1983, six months before he allegedly fronted $550,000 for the Pascua Yaqui bingo rights.

The purchase of the Arizona bingo rights is the subject of a continuing Knoxville federal grand jury bankruptcy fraud investigation.

When Val/Del began operating the Arizona games, Harris retained his post as manager of the Memphis Indian Bingo and also became president of the Pascua Yaqui game. Niggler became the Arizona bingo operation's manager, remaining as president of the Tennessee Indian Council.

Niggler said he was to be a liaison between Val/Del and the Indians.

The relationship between the Arizona Indians and Val/Del soon soured.

The Indians has hired accountant Karen Maddox to oversee bingo. Within 45 days Ms. Maddox wrote a detailed memo to Pascua Yaqui chief and medicine man Anselmo Valencia complaining Val/Del was not adhering to normal accounting procedures.

Ms. Maddox said she later sent another detailed memo to tribal officials documenting what she thought was skimming by Val/Del employees.

Harris, Niggler and Long seemed to control Val/Del, but Valencia said he learned differently on a trip to New York.

In May 1984, Val/Del flew Valencia to Buffalo, N.Y., where they were trying to form a bingo partnership with the Tonowanda Indians.

Valencia said he was supposed to meet with Long there, but instead met with C.H. Butcher Jr.

Valencia said he was upset about continuing problems with Val/Del and wanted to speak to the man in charge.

"I asked Butcher, 'Who is putting up the cash" Is it Long or it is you?'" Valencia said. "Butcher said, "I am. It's my money.'"

Niggler said Butcher also visited the Arizona operations on several occasions.

The effort to open bingo at the Tonowanda reservations is one of several attempts Val/Del officials made to secure additional Indian games.

They also unsuccessfully tried to form bingo partnerships with the Potawatomi and Shawnee Indians in Oklahoma and the Chitimacha Indians in Louisiana.

In Oklahoma, their business partner was cowboy actor Dale Robertson, who starred in The Tales of Wells Fargo TV series.

But while they were trying to expand to other states, the problems with the Pascua Yaquis continued.

In May, the Indians fired Val/Del and locked them out of the bingo hall.

Val/Del went to court in July 1984 and won a brief reinstatement.

After Val/Del resumed management, the Indians allege they were locked out of the bingo hall's counting room.

The Pascua Yaquis would not accept this arrangement and last November they closed the bingo hall.

Maddox and Lansdale claim Val/Del officials took all the money from the bank accounts and left owing the tribe more than $120,000.

Maddox and Valencia gave the FBI three cases of allegedly rigged pull tabs from the bingo hall.

Pull tabs are sold to bingo players at the start of each session. Players pay 50 cents for each of the circular pull tabs and can instantly win from $1 to $250 in legitimately run games.

Maddox and Valencia said the pull tabs supplied by Bonus Games of Knoxville and shipped through Memphis were rigged so operators could dictate winners.

Bonus Games is owned by John Lovell, father of Anne Lovell, who was employed by Val/Del as bingo manager in Arizona.

John Lovell said in a recent interview he had no knowledge of the rigged cards.

Through the grand jury investigation, Harris has continued to run the Memphis Indian Bingo game and Niggler has remained president of the Indian Council, PeSheWa said.

PeSheWa claims the two draw no salary from the local operation.

And he said the Tennessee Indian Council will not ask them to disassociate themselves with the Memphis bingo game.

"These men are my friends," PeSheWa said. "I'm not going to divorce my friends just because of something that happened in Arizona."






Appeared in Memphis' Commercial Appeal
April 8, 1985, page A4

Click to See scannced article, part 1 (http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/ComAppeal_A4_4-8-85_pt1.jpg)   Scanned article, part 2 (http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae76/banjoy1/NACFRAUD/ComAppeal_A4_4-8-85_pt2.jpg)

Quote
Council takeover of bingo halls stirs bad blood
Full-blooded Indians angered by ouster from board[/b]

By Chuck Cook
and Shirley Downing

The Tennessee Indian Council once conducted programs for Tennessee's scattered Indians.

But soon after the secretary of state gave the council a bingo permit in 1983, most full-blooded Native Americans were ousted from its governing board.

Now the nonprofit agency's only function is running a bingo game in Memphis.

Full-blooded Indians such as Freeman Robinson, a Choctaw from Ripley, and Ray Emanuel, a Lumbee from Franklin, claim the takeover was a slap in the face for Tennessee Indians.

"Every time we turn around we get hurt," Emanuel said. "It wouldn't be so bad if they just wouldn't use the Indian Bingo name."

The game in Memphis is not a true Indian bingo operation such as reservation bingo where prizes are unlimited and games are basically unregulated.

Instead the Memphis game must meet the same requirements as other nonprofit games in Tennessee and limit its daily prizes to $5,000.

The takeover of the Indian council has resulted in a simmering two-year blood feud between current and former board members.

Former members claim the takeover was illegal and only full-blooded Indians understand the needs of other Native Americans.

But Fritz Niggler, present council president, and Mackaki PeSheWa, board chairman, say they have "enough Indian blood for it to count," and claim they have brought better management to the council.

PeSheWa, who is also known as Jerry N. Dills, acknowledges some members of the council are not Indians. But he said the council is trying to get new federal grants to restart job training programs for Native Americans.

The Tennessee Indian Council was formed in 1975 and was the only organization in Tennessee dedicated solely to helping the state's Native Americans.

The legislature last year approved formation of the Tennessee Indian Commission, but that agency is not yet operating.

The Indian Council's board was originally made up of Indians from several tribes -- Truman Bell, a Choctaw; Charles Hill, an Osage; Sylvester Stoney, a Chippewa; Emanuel and Robinson.

They hired Niggler, who formerly worked with the Choctaws in Mississippi, as executive director to administer their programs.

The Tennessee council sponsored job training programs funded through federal Indian programs until 1981 when the Department of Labor discontinued the grants because of alleged misappropriation of funds.

Emanuel said the loss of funds resulted from Niggler's mishandling of grant money. Niggler said the Indian council's board members were at fault.

Niggler then introduced William S. Harris to the council. Harris, who had worked with the Seminole Indians in Florida, sold them on the idea of funding their job programs by running a bingo game.

Through 1982 the council, along with Harris and Niggler, worked to obtain a state bingo permit.

Early in 1983 the secretary of state granted that permit.

In February of that year, PeSheWa paid dues for 15 associates from Strawberry Plains. In the next meeting, those new members supported a complete takeover by board members backed by PeSheWa.

Emanuel said in one night the board went from "control of Indians to control of a bunch of hippie-looking people in beads and sandals."

PeSheWa said the takeover was necessary. "We were tired of the way things were being run and we had the votes," he said.

Since the takeover, the Tennessee Indian Council has moved from Nashville to 806 East Brooks Road in Memphis, the location of the Indian bingo game.

PeSheWa said the proceeds for the game go to scholarship and charitable causes. "We provided food baskets for some church group and we provided scholarships for five students," he said.

Robinson said "when they took over their main purpose was bingo."

"That's all the Indian council is for now," he said. "It's just for bingo and who knows where the money goes."

Emanuel said that Indians who have tried to challenge the authority of the bingo hall operators have been threatened.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: ten-skey on March 09, 2010, 03:05:34 pm
 Ray Emamuel -Lumbee : Don Yahola -Creek: the Bells - Miss. Chatas :Others ; some, lesser, Red " stars" Openly And Always stood with true indigenous Tenn. Cherokee ( after researching claimes ); Their views and sentiments WERE /ARE true And factual And one reason true Tenn indians keep a low profile the indian wars continue :::::: once land , resoures , lives ; Now  identiies   Ten-skey
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: E.P. Grondine on March 10, 2010, 04:02:58 am
The best work I have read on cults is "Combating Cult Mind Control" by Steve Hassan, and you may find it of great personal use in dealing with the trauma inflicted on you.

My own sure sign of a cult is they lie. The lies are the sure sign.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: ten-skey on March 12, 2010, 02:29:35 pm
Mr E.P. Grondine : Wada for Your words . A True brother ( regardless of color or origin) speaks from the heart . Spirit moved You to do such !   Ten-skey
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: ten-skey on April 20, 2010, 02:17:37 pm
Always ,Remember, Dills And All the East of the Mississippi River Shawnee ARE split offs of Jerry Popes group ( U.R.B.) . Said group LOST its Federal Legal case to being Indian / Indigenous ( Interiors Arts and Crafts board ). they Refuse Any other type of Recognition ( As a WHITEMAN I Say I AM A INDIAN -White makes right ). Their " Famed / Framed " Resolution from Ohio ( Pope Was born, raised in Indiana ) STATES they ARE desendents (AT best , fore THEY STATE their leadership at that time WAS Mosty Wannabees ) . AT the time of the resolution They went to Ohio's BLACK leadership - Ohio's M.L.K. and ranted how they were abused Indians , yet this rant took two years to get any result - desendancy status to 1/16 .    Ten-skey
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Lookstwice on July 20, 2010, 02:11:41 am
I am another of Doc's apprentices.  I have been in contact with Clearwater thru IM's, and I understand he has shared some of that with others so I'm not totally unknown to some of you.  I want to tell my story of my time with Doc for my benefit as well as to give an alternate view of him.  Alternate because I wasn't privy to a lot of what has been shared here except thru the accounts told to me both then and now.  Alternate because of the way I looked at the situation and how that came to change in me causing me to leave the company of the PeSheWa clan.  I still have a hard time thinking of Doc as Jerry even tho I often heard his wives and Tom and Steve call him by that name.  So I'll probably be calling him Doc thru all my posts...

When I met Doc at Indian Bingo in Spartanburg, SC I was in very bad shape.  I think I sound overly dramatic if I say I was near death.  So I'll just stick with "in bad shape" for now.  Although the dramatic is closer to the truth.  This meeting was the beginning of an incredible period in my life and I still treasure it in many ways.  I compartmentalize to be able to... because it ended being such a disappointment.  And I was made to feel that I was the disappointment. 

I'm disappointed in myself in a lot of ways because the esoteric knowledge I believed I'd received from Doc the shaman Doc the priest should have set me free and kept me free from the trap of this dominant culture that is slowly killing me thru sapping me of life.  I was so exhausted when I got off work today I thought I'd never be able to write anything coherent (a Doc word there).  And I feel very defensive.  I imagine the possible derision and even attacks I might have coming.  Or simply an inquiry to explain myself and what is meant by "knowledge".  Or even a psyche-profile of how deluded I must be, etc.  These states of mind are a part of me and they are exhausting.  So you see how bad it is (some of it).  And yet I can now hold a job where I couldn't before and have a relationship where I couldn't before.  So you see how good it is (some of it).  I think I'm trying to say, "How do you measure a healing?" 

OK, I'm rambling.  One quote I thought I'd share in the vein of esoteric knowledge:  Doc said to me at one of our "Tea times" we had in Tennessee, "I ain't everybody's cup of tea." (he said that often), "and I ain't no Bobby Drinnon!"  I just smiled at him and said I had no idea who that was.  Many years later I had the good fortune to meet Bobby.  He is considered to be a genuine psychic by many and lives in East Tennessee.  He is an amazing person, and he and Doc are like light and dark, day and night.  But there was the same dispassionate spirit in both of them.  The same extra-heaping-helping of wakan, I AM, what I think of as LIFE.  They just expressed it differently according to their different morals and personal bias.  This is something I want to explore here if allowed because that was the part of Doc that mattered to me.  That sense of Other that inhabited him, or at least his words.  I've thought it sociopathic at times because of the difference in moral restraint.

I might be looking like the devil's advocate right now (except for that last statement in previous paragraph), but I'm truly trying to follow my heart as Clearwater suggested.  Be patient with me.  I know about Indian time too.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: critter - a white non-ndn person on July 20, 2010, 04:26:33 am
I don't think anyone's going to attack you here. There's always good and bad and sifting it through is just part of the decompression.. or healing process if you prefer. Life is hard, we deal with it in best we can.. and then later, deal with how we dealt with it. ;)
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on July 20, 2010, 02:27:14 pm
It's funny I only knew Jerry as Jerry. Others started calling him "Doc" a few years after I met him in 1978. Jerry had a way of moving consciousness with words, and of course pot and peyote and other halucinogens helped with that too. I would not have stayed with Jerry for 11 years if it were all bad. But it took me 11 years to learn that Jerry was what he himself referred to as a "vampire" -- someone who sucks the life energy from others. If you look at those around Jerry, they either prop him up with their energy and personal knowledge of him and his ways, thereby giving him crfedibility, or they are people Jerry has elected to "help" unscrew their heads if, and only if, they served him in return. It's an unspoken understanding but one that Jerry solicits wihtout question, in my opinion. I've seen too much to know otherwise. Take a look at those close to Jerry and will will not really find spiritually self acualized people. The only two folks I knew who knew Jerry who were spirutually aware and unencumbered by him were Rossi (who you have told me you met) and a teacher I'll simply call Anand, as east Indian who taught metaphysics at University of TN. Both are deceased. But in life they did not tolerate much of Jerry's bull, although they did interact with the good that was there. But both told me of Jerry and his ways and helped me see my experience from a different perspective.  In my 11 years with Jerry, I witnessed, first hand, a string of people used and discarded by him when they no longer served his purpose or if they questioned him or his methods, or if they grew beyond his ability to control them. Anyway, I feel I have dominated this thread too much as it is, I just wanted to comment on the idea that there may be some good that came out of your experience. Very little in life is all-or-nothing, an absolute. Jerry could not continue to play with darkness if he didn't dabble with truth.

I look forward to your story unfolding, good, not so good, the pretty and the ugly, and I'll shut up now. There will be little I can add to your story and I can learn something from  you. I know how deep this is for you and respect your sharing this part of yourself.

clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: E.P. Grondine on July 28, 2010, 12:00:05 am
Always ,Remember, Dills And All the East of the Mississippi River Shawnee ARE split offs of Jerry Popes group ( U.R.B.) . Said group LOST its Federal Legal case to being Indian / Indigenous ( Interiors Arts and Crafts board ). they Refuse Any other type of Recognition ( As a WHITEMAN I Say I AM A INDIAN -White makes right ). Their " Famed / Framed " Resolution from Ohio ( Pope Was born, raised in Indiana ) STATES they ARE desendents (AT best , fore THEY STATE their leadership at that time WAS Mosty Wannabees ) . AT the time of the resolution They went to Ohio's BLACK leadership - Ohio's M.L.K. and ranted how they were abused Indians , yet this rant took two years to get any result - desendancy status to 1/16 .    Ten-skey

Ten-skey, it is difficult for me to type, but no one in the East of the River Shawnee knows Jerry Dill.

Further, the East of the River contains many people who were never part of the URB, and those who were with the URB walked away from Jerry Pope.

As far as Jerry and his URB goes, many of his victims were active in exposing his fraud and stopping him once they found out about him. Like most cult leaders, he blackmails them with any personal information they shared with him.

I have never heard what you relate about the URB quest for Ohio state recognition.

I am hoping that Jerry perjuring himself on his peyote application will bring him to an end.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: E.P. Grondine on July 28, 2010, 12:10:47 am

...When I met Doc at Indian Bingo in Spartanburg, SC I was in very bad shape.  I think I sound overly dramatic if I say I was near death.  So I'll just stick with "in bad shape" for now.  Although the dramatic is closer to the truth.  This meeting was the beginning of an incredible period in my life and I still treasure it in many ways.  I compartmentalize to be able to... because it ended being such a disappointment.  And I was made to feel that I was the disappointment. 

I'm disappointed in myself in a lot of ways because the esoteric knowledge I believed I'd received from Doc the shaman Doc the priest should have set me free and kept me free from the trap of this dominant culture that is slowly killing me thru sapping me of life.  I was so exhausted when I got off work today I thought I'd never be able to write anything coherent (a Doc word there).  And I feel very defensive.  I imagine the possible derision and even attacks I might have coming.  Or simply an inquiry to explain myself and what is meant by "knowledge".  Or even a psyche-profile of how deluded I must be, etc.  These states of mind are a part of me and they are exhausting.  So you see how bad it is (some of it).  And yet I can now hold a job where I couldn't before and have a relationship where I couldn't before.  So you see how good it is (some of it).  I think I'm trying to say, "How do you measure a healing?" 

..  Many years later I had the good fortune to meet Bobby.  He is considered to be a genuine psychic by many and lives in East Tennessee.  He is an amazing person, and he and Doc are like light and dark, day and night...

Lookstwice, it is difficult for me to type, but I will give you the same advice I gave clearwater: read Steve Hassan's Combatting Cult Mind Control. It most likely will give you the tools you need to deal with your experience with Dills.

You are not the disappointment, and it is clear that Dills is a spiritual thief, and that you were his victim. No one here will make fun of you for that.

Your "compartmentalization" as you put it is your effort to come to terms with that experience. It is my thinking that Hassan's book will be a very, very useful tool in helping you to do that and to move on.

We have laws which should be being applied to people like Pope and Dills. That they are not is just another example of continued discrimination against the First Peoples, IMO.

good luck
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: Mato Istime on July 28, 2010, 01:12:37 pm
I met this man and was not impressed at all.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: ten-skey on August 04, 2010, 02:09:34 pm
All those HARMED by Pope , the U.R,B. and this spinoff personel SHOULD contact Various States Officals , He does court Prominate Officals ( ie Mclin And Assoc. of Ohio , etc. ) . HE does BAD MOUTH federal indians ( ie Real indians would have DIED ) Ten-skey.
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on March 03, 2011, 05:35:32 pm
About a week ago a friend of mine who resides in east Tennessee emailed me with some information about Dills/Peshewa. I googled the information I received and found some links to information which I felt should be posted here. So in this and the next post  I'm passing along what was brought to my attention.

Link to original article: Theft from Knox burial grounds called 'sacrilege' (http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/nov/13/theft-from-knox-burial-grounds-called-sacrilege/)

(Moderators: This is a copyrighted article posted here for research purposes only. If this infringes on copyright (?) please delete the quoted article and just keep the link to the online original source.)

Quote
Theft from Knox burial grounds called 'sacrilege'

In describing religious artifacts stolen from a nearby Native American burial ground, Macaki "Doc" PeSheWa, priest at the Native American Church in Strawberry Plains, says remaining calm is a challenge.

"I'm not going to tell you that there isn't any ill feelings, because there is," PeSheWa said.

PeSheWa says a 14-foot Native American totem pole, two symbolic eagles, a cow skull and a horse head were stolen from burial grounds located at 7865 E. McMillian Road in East Knox County between Nov. 2 and Nov. 4.

According to a Knox County Sheriff's Office report, the suspects used a full-size pickup truck to steal the religious artifacts and symbols, which the report states are valued at $10,000.

KCSO spokeswoman Martha Dooley said the sheriff's office is looking into the theft.

To PeSheWa, not the value of the artifacts, but their meaning is what is important. He said the artifacts as well as the ground in which many Native Americans are buried serve as a way for relatives of those lost to "release" their spirits.

"There have been many a tear shed here at these grounds," he said. "Stealing the totem is a direct violation of burial ceremonies. This is sacrilege to us."

PeSheWa said the theft is not the first instance of trespassing, which he said began about three years ago.

"I don't know what we are going to do," he said. "The only thing I can think of now is to get another 18- to 20-foot cedar log and carve another one."

The theft has caused PeSheWa to close off the burial grounds, which he wishes he did not have to do.

"This is a place where people can learn about Native American culture and even worship how they see fit," he said, "but we can't take another lick like that."

The Native American priest said the totem that was stolen commemorates a time when Native Americans from various tribes translated "The Great Law" - the guiding principles Native Americans use to govern themselves - into English. He said "The Great Law" not only holds great value to his people, but also should be held in high regard by any citizen of the United States. America's Founding Fathers used "Great Law" principles to shape portions of the U.S. Constitution.

Symbolism aside, PeSheWa said all that he wants is the totem's return.

"This is a federal offense," he said. "We just want everything brought back and for these thefts to quit. I'm serious about the return of the totem and the capture of those who continue stealing."

Nash Armstrong may be reached at 865-342-6336.

 © 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

Note that this is this is the first time that the property has been referred to as "burial" grounds.

--clearwater
Title: Re: Native American church....?
Post by: clearwater on March 03, 2011, 05:39:01 pm
Link to original obituary: Dr. Macaki Peshewa (obituary) (http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/knoxnews/obituary.aspx?n=macaki-peshewa&pid=148512286)

Quote
PESHEWA, DR. MACAKI - known to most everyone as "Doc," continued on his journey through eternity early Wednesday morning, February 9, 2011, as he passed from this life to the next. During his life he brought happiness to many and no one who met him was unaffected by his presence. Doc was a force for good throughout his life. A Veteran of the Air Force, he also co-founded the Tennessee Indian Council, founded the Indian Historical Society, Native American Indian Media, The Systems Theory and Human Development Corporation, published The Indian Reader, and established the Native American Church of Strawberry Plains of which he was the priest. He was also well known as Santa for the past 37 years. He could often be seen passing out candy and gifts during the holiday season and throughout the year. He felt like "Everyday should be like Christmas." Continuing on their journey through life are Doc's wives, Marion and Melanie; his children Shanti, Shakra and husband Adam, Shamir and partner Scott, Shaman and husband Daniel, Shakti and Shasti; his brother Tom and Sandra; his cousins, Doug Dills and Lil Virginia Thompson; his God-children, Brandon Stormer, Paige and Joey Wilkinson; his special friends, Moe, Seham and Christina Gurgis, Seva and family, Chief Hawk Pope, Bill and Patsy McKee, Ayapia, Steve Lohrey, Steve Stormer, Dr. Williem Kelley, Dr. Craig Laman, Earl Nash, Bruce Torbett, Jody Torbett, and Katja Kaye. A releasing ceremony for Doc will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 4:00pm at the Native American Church located at 7862 McMillan Road, Strawberry Plains, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Native American Church P.O. Box 53, Strawberry Plains, TN 37871. A celebration in honor of Doc will be held at Doc's house following the ceremony. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.


Published in Knoxville News Sentinel from February 11 to February 12, 2011
Title: Re: "Native American Church" Strawberry Plains TN, Jerry Dills AKA Peshewa
Post by: educatedindian on October 13, 2013, 06:47:16 pm
Shante Peshewa, son of Jerry Dills, has been convicted of child molesting.

-----
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/news/crime/6629506-418/lake-county-law-and-order.html
Child molester gets 30 years, will appeal

A Schererville man who admitted he molested a 10-year-old girl was sentenced Thursday in Lake Superior Court to 30 years in prison.

Shanti Neishte Peshewa, 29, admitted he molested the girl between Sept. 1 and Dec. 4 at a home in Schererville. During the sexual assaults, Peshewa admitted in court that he would tell the girl he was trying to teach her about sex so she would not experiment with boys her age.

The girl’s mother read excerpts of a letter from her daughter that said Peshewa destroyed her life, but she felt victorious over him despite the crimes he committed against her. “I hope that you suffer,” the girl said in her letter.

Peshewa pleaded guilty to child molesting, a Class A felony punishable by a maximum 50-year sentence. The plea agreement spelled out the 30-year term.

Peshewa said he plans to appeal.
Title: "Native American Church" Strawberry Plains TN, Jerry Dills AKA Macaki Peshewa
Post by: Sparks on July 14, 2023, 04:52:27 pm
Since January 13, 2022, there is a related thread about a person who is reported to be "a granddaughter to Macaki Peshewa":

http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=5579.0
(Gowa Peshewa [AKA Gowa Gram] - Doc Macaki Peshewa relative?)
Title: Re: "Native American Church" Strawberry Plains TN, Jerry Dills AKA Peshewa
Post by: Sandy S on November 29, 2023, 12:30:45 am
Just to do so, I teased out this bit "His grandmother, Rebecca Eagle, was married to John Dills from Illinois" - Jerry Dills' claim to paternal heritage.

Currently relevant because of http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=5579.0

The surname "Eagle" does not automatically = Indigenous heritage. In this case, this family, I only see white listed in records.

Jerry's paternal grandfather John Clinton Dills https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52425648/john-clinton-dills
Paternal grandmother Rebecca L (Eagle) Dills https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52425657/rebecca-l-dills

Rebecca L (Eagle) Dills's father was Ambrose Henry Eagle, a private in the Confederate army https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70910188/ambrose-henry-eagle

Photo and more info on Ambrose https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Eagle-307

Rebecca L (Eagle) Dill is listed white in birth, census, and death records.
Title: Re: "Native American Church" Strawberry Plains TN, Jerry Dills AKA Peshewa
Post by: Sandy S on November 29, 2023, 12:41:49 am
Update on Shanti Peshewa:

DOC Number    220037
First Name    SHANTI
Middle Name    N
Last Name    PESHEWA
Suffix    
Date of Birth    02/1982
Gender    Male
Race    American Indian/Alaskan
Facility/Location    Indiana State Prison

Date of Sentence    07/21/2011
Description    CHILD MOLESTING
Term in Years / Months / Days    
30
00
00000
Type of Conviction    FA
Indiana Citation Code    35-42-4-3
Cause Number    45G04-1012-FA-00053
County of Conviction    LAKE
Projected Release Date    09/21/2036

(search through https://www.in.gov/apps/indcorrection/ofs/ofs )