'Alaskan Bush People': Billy Brown Speaks Out About Jail Time
— -- Yesterday, two of the stars of "Alaskan Bush People" were sentenced to 30 days in jail for allegedly lying and applying for funds they weren't qualified for, according to the Associated Press.
Billy and Joshua Brown both pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor.
Billy Brown, 63, released a statement today that said, "Alaska’s dividend program has specific requirements for the length of time in the state, and the reasons for being out of Alaska. Because of the way we live our lives and the way we often unconventionally travel, I didn't keep good track of our movements. I accept full responsibility for filing for benefits without confirming that we met the requirements."
He continued, "We are committed to living in Alaska for the long term and we respect the state’s rules. I thought it best to settle to put this behind us."
The family also paid $21,000 in restitution, the AP reported. Discovery, the network that airs the reality show, is not commenting on the matter.
"Alaskan Bush People" follows the travails of the Brown family, who lives in the deep wilderness and "was born and raised wild," according to the official site.
"Billy Brown, his wife Ami and their seven grown children - 5 boys and 2 girls - are so far removed from civilization that they often go six to nine months of the year without seeing an outsider. They've developed their own accent and dialect, refer to themselves as a 'wolf pack,' and at night, all nine sleep together in a one-room cabin," the site said.
