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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Deputies Do Check at Cult Compound


Journal Northern Bureau
          DES MOINES, N.M. — Union County Sheriff's deputies performed a welfare check Friday on fasting cult members at the northeastern New Mexico compound of Wayne Bent — the self-professed messiah who is accused of having sexual contact with underage girls.
        Deputies left after being assured by Bent's son, Jeff Bent, that everyone was OK.
        Wayne Bent's attorney, Sarah Montoya, said she is concerned the next step by the District Attorney's Office will be to forcibly take members off the property of The Lord of Our Righteousness Church.
        The check by deputies at the Strong City compound northwest of Des Moines was in response to recent postings on Bent's Web site stating that some church members have amplified their efforts to go without food or water in protest of the charges Bent is facing and his pending trial. Bent is also fasting.
        The Journal received a copy from Jeff Bent of a DA's Office motion filed in District Court on Friday that asks a judge "to continue to allow the Union County Sheriff's Office and medical personnel if necessary to monitor the welfare of these individuals." The motion says "approximately 46 people are in jeopardy of harm from starvation and may not be competent ... to look after their own health and safety" because of Bent's influence.
        Phone calls to District Attorney Donald Gallegos of Taos seeking comment were not returned late Friday.