Owen Benjamin: "I've never solicited money in exchange for any use of this property"

Owen Benjamin Smith of Sandpoint, Idaho declares to the public at a hearing that he never raised money for use of the "Beartaria" land he purchased in Northern Idaho. Owen infamously raised over $400,000 from his supporters, on livestream, during a months-long fundraising telethon in which he promised lifetime camping rights, among many other perks, to anyone who paid $400 or more.Show more

The source of the audio is a June 23, 2022 Boundary County Planning & Zoning hearing that took place as a result of concerned neighbors reporting Owen for advertising commercial camping on land that isn't zoned for it.

The fact Owen purchased land that was not zoned for what he was advertising is further proof of Owen intentionally defrauding customers.