Yes, it is true. Depending on which details (Ford or Tracy)? I've met Tracy several times and seen his opperations over the years, and I've known Ford for years as well.
Yes, Ford was found not guilty, details that I've read about Tracy's case are unclear.
You have to be careful about how you tell the "authorities" to go jump off a bridge. Yes, it is "public domain", but I do not fully understand the differences in the state of Oregon of "public domain" between Federal land and BLM. Public Domain is ALL of OUR land, we ALL have the the right to use the land, and we ALL own the land, hence we MINE the land. I am working to learn the details, slowly but surely.
Worth a read here:
http://www.grantedright.com/
American miners measure in Grains and Pennyweights.