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MAY 21, 2001

The Montana Department of Corrections is defending its of pepper spray to subdue teens who officials say were out of control and attacking guards at a juvenile facility in Great Falls.

Steve Gibson, the administrator of the Pine Hills reform school, at first denied pepper spray was used. He then reviewed court records and found it was used on at least two occasions in July 1999.

Incidents of pepper spray use on Native American teens are reported to have occurred as recently as May 2000. Youth workers say Native teens have been singled out in the use of mace.

The Department of Justice says the use of spray on teens is not sanctioned. There is no word if the DOJ will conduct an investigation into the 1999 incidents.

Get the Story:
Pepper-spray controversy reignites (AP 5/19)