Phoney Sweat Lodge Leader Convicted

Great News!

Tamarack Song take note. You kill somebody in one of your phoney sweat lodges and you're going to jail!

Self-Help Author Convicted of Negligent Homicide in Sweat Lodge Deaths

Published June 22, 2011
Associated Press

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. – A self-help author who led a deadly sweat lodge ceremony in Arizona was found guilty of three counts of negligent homicide Wednesday.

Jurors in the case against James Arthur Ray began deliberating Tuesday after a four-month trial.

Ray showed no reaction as the verdict was read. His parents and brother sat behind him, while victims' family members and friends held hands and looked on from across the courtroom.

Prosecutors asked that Ray be taken into custody immediately, but the judge denied the request.

More than 50 people participated in the October 2009 sweat lodge that was meant to be the highlight of Ray's five-day "Spiritual Warrior" seminar near Sedona.

Three people died following the sauna-like ceremony meant to provide spiritual cleansing. Eighteen were hospitalized, while several others were given water to cool down at the scene. Prosecutors and defense attorneys disagreed over whether the deaths and illnesses were caused by heat or toxins.

Ray's attorneys have maintained the deaths were a tragic accident. Prosecutors argued Ray recklessly caused the fatalities.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/06/22/self-help-author-convicted-negligent-homicide-in-sweat-lodge-deaths/#ixzz1QDLKfAeR