Court Date Set for Bull Pen Organizer

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By Kyle Midura

Story Published: Jan 19, 2011 at 8:16 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 20, 2011 at 3:41 PM MDT

BILLINGS - A controversial concert organizer is ordered to appear in court for allegedly writing bad checks to satisfy outstanding payment disputes.

Carbon County District Attorney Alex Nixon said 'Bull Pen Rally' organizer Mike Decker is charged with bouncing checks totaling nearly $35,000. The outdoor, multi-day event was held in July near Red Lodge.

Decker denies writing bogus checks and said payments to some contractors have been delayed due to lower than expected revenues from the concert. He plans to hold the event again during the 2011 summer and said he hopes to make enough money to pay all back expenses.

Decker is due in court January 27th.

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The pen said on Monday, Feb 14 at 9:08 PM

Did he use a Bic Pen to write those checks? No. Did he use a Cross Pen or a Parker Pen? No. He used, oh yes you saw it coming--He used a "Bull Pen."

Anonymous said on Friday, Feb 11 at 6:27 PM

Anonymous 10:54 AM, I am sorry but your statement seems pretty out there when you look at the mess that was produced last year.

Gordon said on Friday, Feb 11 at 2:02 PM

All the true facts huh? How about if we throw a little wrench in the 'plan'.... imagine all the bills paid on time. Better have better 'investors' and management than last year! Not off to a great start this year.

Anonymous said on Friday, Feb 11 at 11:54 AM

They don't have to tell you anything, and if you had a calculator and all the true facts you would know, as they do, that it is entirely possible.

Think said on Friday, Feb 11 at 8:55 AM

So tell us again how you are going to sell enough tickets to pay for all the expenses of last year AND this year? Has ANYONE in your camp used an adding machine? Most festivals dont make money for at least 3 years and even then its not huge piles of cash! Sounds like someones business plan was simply a pipe dream bouncing around in a few peoples empty heads.

I didn't write those checks! said on Thursday, Feb 10 at 10:25 AM

Decker denies writing bogus checks? Whooooopsie daisy! That wasn't me!!!

sore ass! said on Thursday, Feb 10 at 12:59 AM

The bad part is none of the contractors were even offered any vasoline!!!

Gordon said on Monday, Feb 7 at 5:41 PM

That darn county! Handed out pens that wrote bad checks! Those darn bands weren't mediocre when the Deckers picked them! Glad they got better bands this year.... chuckle! DECKERS ARE TO BLAME!!!!

its Carbon County's fault said on Monday, Feb 7 at 3:13 PM

its Carbon County's fault -- they ruined the concert and harassed the customers. the bands were lame tho

DPS said on Monday, Feb 7 at 8:10 AM

Just as real as Decker's word.

Anonymous said on Saturday, Feb 5 at 9:59 PM

So where are these people coming up with the cash to do a second year when it appears they cant pay even the bartenders or bad checks? I imagine the up front costs are not small. Do they have an ace in the hole or just a lot of hope? Anyone know if a Bulpen concert this summer is for real?

I swear to tell the........ said on Saturday, Feb 5 at 11:55 AM

Your Honor, the county and bands that I chose made me right bad checks and lie and stiff the people that helped me.

ralohy said on Saturday, Feb 5 at 11:08 AM

Carbon county is to blame. Also greedy mediocre "bands".

You know what I like? said on Friday, Feb 4 at 9:59 PM

I like DPS! Nothing better then to the point statements! I think "Mignon" got paid, why else would a statement be made like that?! What is this about people wanting to focus on a little bit of negative. Try several people pissed off due to the fact of ZERO payments for services.

ralohy said on Friday, Feb 4 at 1:51 PM

Bands should NOT be paid unless they draw a crowd. Carbon county needs to accept blame for plotting against the concert

DPS said on Friday, Feb 4 at 10:51 AM

I can't wait for next Thursday, I wonder what his next excuse will be for not showing up.

A quote from the Bull Pen representative said on Friday, Feb 4 at 9:15 AM

Bull Pen Rally spokeswoman Mignon Michelcic said in the Carbon County News "It was a good event. It had no flaws in it. It ran smoothly. All the bands got paid… there was so much positive in it, but everybody wants to focus on this little bit of negative.”.................................. That seems to sum things up for the Bull Pen. All these people wanting what was promised are a downer on my party!

We were told we would be paid said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 11:35 PM

Yes, I was also told that we would get paid, no matter what the out come. In fact, I was told that I would have a check on Monday after the weekend. So, after we were all told this and had our own bills, supplies and our employees to pay, we all thought..no problem! however, broken promises and bogus investors had us all giving the Deckers a break. Month after month..nothing. No phones were made to us in regards to payments or any response to invoices. I had to call and then maybe get a phone call back once in awhile. No one told us that we would have to wait for "investors". But, we all are honest working people and did not think that we all would be "snow balled" by the Deckers. This was not our event, we were hired as employees and contractors. If I was hired to be and told that I would not be paid, I do not think I would of worked. Again, it does not matter if whomever is owed $500 or $150,000, no one got paid. All we all are asking is to be paid. Show us the respect, like we did f

@ 4:43am said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 9:43 PM

If I want to throw my own money away thats one thing but for the "Decker Team" to think its ok to gamble with other peoples money and time, that should be criminal. I for one was told that they had enough money in the bank to pay for the first year even if they only sold 1000 tickets... thats a con

comment made at 4:43am said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 7:51 PM

you think that just because someone worked for a few days they should not be mad because they have not gotten paid? i have not gotten paid and the deckers owe me A LOT of money. but, that is not the point. they owe A LOT of people money. once again you are mad because you have not paid anyone. i am sure that you get paid from your employers. and i am sure that you would be throwing a FIT if they did not pay you. maybe i should retrack that comment about your employer..i guess you do not need to work since you rip people off. this is not meant to be mean, just meant to open your eyes on the terrible actions that the bullpen board members have done. how about calling everyone and setting up some kind of payment plan? maybe we would all be more understandably of your hardship, but at this point it might be too late to understand

Gordon said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 11:45 AM

Court date is now February 10. And I thought it was funny!

Bounced checks said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 9:20 AM

So does anyone know when Mike Decker will actually go to court for what he is charged with based on facts?

dl said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 9:18 AM

Believe it or not there are people who are behind this and whether or not you agree is fine, each is entitled to their own opinion. And " right " you must be reading something completly diffrent because this little girl stuff is completley ignorant god forbid someone is trying to make a point you dont like get the hell over it !!

Right said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 9:08 AM

Now THAT sounded like a spoiled little girl! All you need is the sound of humph and a door slam!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 5:46 AM

When someone tries to point out that not everything that people write on this site is true, it must be a little kid arguing or a girlfriend? Sorry, I am neither, just someone who thought they could provide some insight and truth to a conversation. Obviously you people don't care about the truth or all the facts so I won't bother anymore.

Anonymous said on Thursday, Feb 3 at 5:43 AM

Yep, you're right, they played you, they put themselves thousands in debt, used up all their savings and assets just to make you work for a few days and not pay you. What a great plan! wish i would have thought of it.

or a family member said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 11:28 PM

i am sure that mike and his girlfriend and his family are doing just fine while others are still trying to get caught up. i agree with sad, sad, sad comments. it does not matter how much, this has been hard on everyone who is owed. more then money was lost. when we did not get paid we could not pay our bills and that was hard because of some joker playing promotor. yes, the deckers have played us.

Who's girlfriend is that? said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 9:49 PM

So the anonymous that is defending Decker sounds more like a kid arguing their point! I've expected to see "Uh-uh", "Your dumb", and misc. other name calling through these posts. Sounds more like anonymous is someone's girlfriend, and could that have something to do with them getting paid???

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 7:42 PM

does mike decker have any horses that are also going without. similar if you think about it.

Advice.. said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 7:38 PM

So..let me get this straight. They are paying people? Really? I have asked when I am going to get paid. The response I always get it that they have some investors and feel really good about the future. No, I have not received one little positive response about getting paid. Please give us some advice on how they paid you! I am a nice honest person. I have good morals and believe that in this world good things happen to others. ..I wish that the Deckers believed this also.

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 4:56 PM

which part of the fact that the business does not have the money to pay everyone everything at one time is hard to understand. they are paying as many as they can out of what they have as they have it. can't tell you why they didn't pick you to be at the top of the list, you'd have to ask them.

Right said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 4:15 PM

Oh so my attitude is the reason the Deckers wont pay me? You must have sent them flowers to get partial payment?

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 12:53 PM

I'm owed money, but have been given part of what is owed to me, not that it's any of your business

IF said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 12:47 PM

If they didn't owe me money, I wouldn't spend a moment of my time following up on this sad situation, but rather pray for all the victims. What's YOUR story?

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 12:04 PM

IF they owe you money and if this is the attitude you come at them with, it is no wonder they have elected to take care of other people before you.

Right said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 9:19 AM

You can say it over and over again but that wont make it true. No one is taking care of this mess, no one. Stories about imaginary investors are entertaining but a real plan with commitment on paper I suppose would be too much to ask huh? It was a bad idea last year and only the date has changed. The bad paper they traded is only the tip of the ice burg.

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 8:05 AM

How do you figure they are "getting away" with it? They are paying people and bills, just not fast enough for some, or apparently the "right" people.

Noise curfew?! said on Wednesday, Feb 2 at 2:52 AM

Ok, let me see if I have this straight. It is the county's fault that this event was not successful? So...if I hire people to build me a house do I have to pay contractors and employees? If, I start up a new company and get great employees, do I have to pay them? When I got to work for the railroad or oil company do they have to pay me??? I am very confused. I also would like advice from the Deckers on how to get away with all of this?!

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 9:55 PM

the noise curfew was put in place only two months prior to the event

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 9:54 PM

I find it amazing that with everything going on in Billings that this is the big story

another perspective said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 4:28 PM

This thing was so unbelievably poorly planned and run. The noise curfew was in place for 6 months before the Bull Pen and is quite common for out door functions. I would more blame the county for not forcing the Deckers to post more bonds to ensure employees get paid.

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 3:25 PM

There is more than one anon commenting !

shame on the county said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 2:59 PM

Its common to hold a check till after a concert. We blame the county and their johnny come lately curfew for killing off attendance and shutting down music way to early. It killed the concert gate and camping

DPS said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 2:16 PM

anonymouse may I have the last word?

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 12:27 PM

It's none of your business who has been paid or how much or what is owed. Obviously not everyone has and it is something they are trying to fix, even though you have not been one of the ones that has, does not mean noone has or that they aren't trying.

Decker Family.. said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 12:12 PM

I am sure that the Decker family feels bad in all of this. However, I do not know who has been paid, I do know MANY LARGE outstanding invoices and wages have not been paid. Not even one dollar. Why don't you tell us who has been paid? I find it awful that so many families have struggled due to this event. At least try to pay us. There is no effort that I have heard or seen. It seems like the ones who ran this event are so MAD because employees and contactors are wanting to be paid. I still find that shocking.

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 11:53 AM

I would bet you don't even know this family so you have no idea how they feel about what has transpired, or who they owe and how much they owe. You darn sure have no idea what they have done to pay whoever they can, and I do know some people and businesses have been paid at least in part if not in full, they are just not vocal on these web sites.

Gordon said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 10:05 AM

DPS, if you do decide to get a day job, make sure your employer pays you! BNSF for example may have a job opening soon!

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 8:39 AM

You have serious issues DPS !! You should get a day job !

DPS said on Tuesday, Feb 1 at 7:53 AM

Better watch the bus terminals,airports,train stations and ports of entry.This joker is hitting the road. I hope he speaks Spanish.

Anonymous said on Monday, Jan 31 at 12:21 PM

DPS, you have no clue what your talking about theres more to this than you know and he asked for a continuance for a reason had nothing to do with getting time off.

DPS said on Monday, Jan 31 at 8:16 AM

Like the conman couldn't ask for the day off for his court date. He had plenty off advance notice to request it off. What will be his excuse next time, he has a dentists appointment or that his dog ate the paperwork telling him what day to appear.

Another said on Sunday, Jan 30 at 4:42 PM

Very well put Sad Sad Sad

Sad, sad, sad... said on Sunday, Jan 30 at 12:57 AM

This whole thing has ruined a lot of people. From employees to several companies who lost more then just money. If Decker wants to make it right, why does he not sell his personal belongings like we all had to do to make ends meet. I am not talking about a few hundred...try several thousands that I am owed. This whole thing just shows us all what a terrible family they are.

curious and curiouser said on Friday, Jan 28 at 6:17 PM

Anonymous - So you are saying that Carbon County is prosecuting without documentation? Sounds fishy. those scoundrels. And really, anyone who has ever run a successful business knows that they have to fulfill their end of the agreement so the other party doesn't try to cry wolf and blame their own failure on others!

Go Big Red said on Friday, Jan 28 at 10:39 AM

Next time I want lottery tickets, Ill remember the Bull Pen method of banking and honor.

Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 28 at 10:23 AM

the guy quoted inthe story? did you even read the story or just look for something to comment on?

Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 28 at 10:21 AM

Nixon?

Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 28 at 10:05 AM

obviously from someplace other than a 30 second news release from Nixon

Go Big Red! said on Friday, Jan 28 at 9:40 AM

I tend to agree with DPS. Anonymous, you seem to be grasping for straws, where do you get your info???.

Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 28 at 8:55 AM

wish i lived in DPS' world where I knew everything about everything, even though I am not involved.

Anonymous said on Friday, Jan 28 at 8:41 AM

The checks never went through the bank, Diaevent only called to verify funds which were not there, they called on that friday in which they could have turned around and pulled the plug on the whole thing. But like everyone else they a;so belived that saturday was going to be slammed which it was not they knew then that they were not getting paid.

DPS said on Friday, Jan 28 at 7:57 AM

He is guilty, period. He wrote bad checks thats a fact. He's only going to court to tell the judge why he wrote bad checks and what he intends to do about paying back all the people he screwed.

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 27 at 7:22 PM

So much for nice doing business with you!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 27 at 12:49 PM

so much for innocent until proven guilty.

Ha ha said on Thursday, Jan 27 at 12:27 PM

If he cant pay anybody on time, how do you expect him to show up to court on time?

Tick Tock said on Thursday, Jan 27 at 12:04 PM

He requested a continuance because he is working out of town. I don't know how he sleeps at night. Maybe he will sell enough tickets to stay out of jail!!!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 27 at 11:41 AM

its been postponed...you will have to go tar and feather someone else because its not happening today:)

DPS said on Thursday, Jan 27 at 11:26 AM

Today is his day of reckoning. I've got the tar and feathers ready. Anybody have a rope?

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Jan 26 at 7:33 PM

sorry, 60 days for a bad check or for a band down payment?

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 10:41 PM

Since the current bands have been advertised on the bullpen rally site for some time now, it must be quite the decision to pay them within the 60 days to confirm the acts, or to pay off existing debts!

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 10:24 PM

60 days they give you ..FYI

Back to the story said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 9:43 PM

I guess we are finding out how many days a bounced check gives as well huh?

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 9:34 PM

little known fact, how many days?

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 4:30 PM

Come on Little Known! Anyone that works near the music industry knows that major acts don't work on CREDIT! I wasn't even at the shows and I can read Pollstar! Or is it that the acts he is advertising aren't confirmed yet? That might be a consideration to the folks buying tickets!

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 4:16 PM

and how many months to pay everyone else? sounds a little like a teenager with a credit card to me.

little known fact said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 4:04 PM

Who said he paid the bands yet !!! You have so many days after you book them !!

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 12:05 PM

He has enough money to book acts for the next show but not enough to pay for something that could put him in prison? Seems strange.

Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jan 25 at 12:05 AM

I would sure feel like I was taking a chance at not getting my money's worth. The other day I got a link to a similar happening in Florida that literally left people holding tickets to nothing, and now they are fighting to get refunds. The concert was supposed to happen three months ago and ticket holders have been told it could be another three months before they get their money back. Another promoter with "good" intentions and absolutely no follow through! The one in Florida was called the Reunion Concert from this past October. Check it out, it will sure open your eyes with a ton of similarities!

Rock On! said on Monday, Jan 24 at 8:38 PM

They are selling tickets. Is it going to happen for sure?

To Mike D said on Sunday, Jan 23 at 2:48 PM

Supporting local business includes stopping people like the Bullpen and Mike Decker from driving real business into the dirt. They took advantage of the community support and wrote bad checks, or simply stiffed companys and individuals that trusted and supported them. I have seen little kids plan school dances better than the Bullpen planned the "biggest “party” the state has ever known".

Anonymous said on Saturday, Jan 22 at 10:03 AM

Mike D. said on Monday, Dec 27 at 9:23 PM Myself or The Bull Pen LLP. were NOT contacted by KULR 8. If so the Public Relations Officer would have informed them that The Bull Pen LLP. has NOT been taken to court by any one, and that we are dealing with all outstanding debts as any business does. Myself or The Bull Pen LLP. have committed no crimes and are have not been accused of any by the local law enforcement agencies for anything. Yes there are moneys owed as in every business. We are dealing with those debtors as any business would, by trying to earn moneys to satisfy our debts. Our debtors understand this and are supporting us to that avail. Curious how KULR 8 never has their facts straight and is so intent on trying to stop a local new business from succeeding in these economic times we are in. Red Lodge has lost over 12 businesses this past year. WHY? I think its time to support local business, not try to shut them down!!!

Blurt Factor-Five said on Friday, Jan 21 at 6:14 PM

This is ridiculous...I don't know what you are defending cj, the Bull Pen Rally did NOT pay it's obligations. In fact, I know some locals in Red Lodge that actually bought ticket but never received them in the mail. That must be fraud somehow. You are defending a SUNKEN ship.

cj said on Friday, Jan 21 at 10:45 AM

Well Really, Im just sick of hearing about it so we all got screwed. DiaEvent knew that there were no funds as of friday night when they checked to see if the funds were there and were told they were not, so why didnt they just pulkl the plug and call it a night. No they hoped just like many others that Sat night would be packed and continued with it. They should have cut there losses Friday then, it sucks !

Really? said on Friday, Jan 21 at 10:32 AM

Well CJ, glad you got some tips. I bet the $34000 bad check or the other hundreds of thousands that legitimate businesses lost cant be shrugged of as easily. Bull Pen Rally harmed many many local businesses and individuals badly. Glad you got to hear some great concerts, the company providing the sound got ripped off and the local bands did as well. People worked hard to make the Bull Pen a success. I bet Mike would be mad if BNSF bounced a check on him!

CJ said on Friday, Jan 21 at 10:11 AM

Could you get anymore redneck with the" get the pitchforks and torches " comment !! A while we are at yeah lets run another buisness out of town cause they have only ran 12 out of red lodge in the last year and a half...I worked there and didnt get paid but I made a ton of tips and had a great concerts to listen too ! So it is what it is!

DPS said on Friday, Jan 21 at 9:15 AM

I think the first word of the event name says it all "BULL". And 'ol Decker is full of it.

Gloria said on Friday, Jan 21 at 5:54 AM

Get the pitchforks and torches.... Let's run them out of town. And you don't get called to court without them having evidence. To many contractors, vendors, labor workers DID NOT GET PAID!!! Then you wroet checks that you knew were no good. No Excuses! Decker (those involved) need jail time for this.

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 11:34 PM

party music DIDN't end at ten on the weekend. and the County made them write bad checks, right?

brilliant said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 7:44 PM

Make it FREE like the folk festivAl in buttey montucky

justicE judy said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 7:41 PM

You don't stay over to camp when they shut the party music at ten. Yes its the County at fault

little known fact: said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 5:01 PM

Curfews are responsible for forcing people into writing bad checks nationwide! That was sarcasm by the way!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 4:39 PM

the CURFEW didn't even affect the schedule of the major bands - only the local bands (who didn't get paid either). So, how is is that other concerts succeed if they are over by midnight?

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 4:31 PM

Rockin the Rivers went bankrupt after 2 years. Now there is a new smarter promoter.

reasonable al said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 4:11 PM

rockin the rivers at three forks works, if the county didnt fight this would also

we blame the County said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 4:10 PM

the CURFEW the County placed on MUSIC was the real culprit....

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 12:57 PM

Were the checks bogus? Is that his claim?

Seriously said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 10:37 AM

Math is Hard doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to know if 'that' many tickets were ACTUALLY SOLD last year, then there must have been some other fishy business going on with the income because it appears NOBODY got paid other than the bands - who by the way took ALL their proceeds out of state! SEEMS the LOCALS and our ECONOMY are what got hurt by this fiasco!

Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 10:20 AM

because you know how many tickets were sold last year?

Math is Hard said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 9:38 AM

From the 2011 Vendor Requirements And Agreement: "We have taken many of your suggestions and placed them in effect for the 2011 event which we also hope will from all data received at least double in size this year with a projection of 6,000 people per day." DOUBLE THE SIZE of last year would be closer to 3000 TOTAL!!! Sounds like the same projection methods as last year that came up with 10,000. Just pulling numbers out of what they want and not whats realistic. These people are delusional.

Sammy said on Thursday, Jan 20 at 9:26 AM

GOOD! Put his butt in jail!

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