Sect leader found guilty

BRUNSWICK, Ga. - The leader of a quasi-religious sect was convicted Friday of molesting boys and girls at the group's ancient Egyptian-style compound. Malachi York, 58, likely will get between 20 and 30 years in prison, prosecutors said. "He is going to be in jail a long time, we hope," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Wood. During the trial, 14 boys and girls from the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors said York molested them from 1998 until 2002, when federal agents raided the compound, a 476-acre property in Eatonton that is decorated with pyramids, a sphinx and statues of American Indians. "I'm very proud of the victims," prosecutor Richard Moultrie said. "It is their victory." York's attorney, Adrian Patrick, said he will appeal the conviction. "This is Mr. York's first step toward freedom," he said. The government charged that York recruited older girls to groom younger girls for sex with him, and that he used the cult for his own financial gain. Members of the group were not paid for their work - instead, York managed the money and decided whom to reward and punish, prosecutors said. If girls pleased York, they got prizes such as diamond rings from Wal-Mart or trips to a restaurant, according to testimony. If they angered him, their food was rationed and they had to fill out forms for necessities such as sanitary napkins and doctor's visits. York did not take the stand. His attorney argued that the youngsters had concocted their stories in a conspiracy by York's son to frame his father. Witnesses said Jacob York hated his father for not funding his musical career. The defense also said the government was out to get the mostly black Nuwaubian sect because their beliefs were outside the mainstream. York still faces 77 state charges of child molestation, to which he pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement a year ago. He will withdraw those pleas, Patrick said. "Mr. York is one of the ... closest examples of what a pedophile is," said Assistant District Attorney Dawn Baskin, who will prosecute the state's case. York's followers watched the federal trial on a television in a separate courtroom, as ordered by Judge Ashley Royal after concerns about disruptive protests. Heavily armed police patrolled outside the courthouse, but when the verdict was read, the 40 Nuwaubians watching the TV had little reaction. At past court hearings, Nuwaubians dressed as Egyptian pharaohs, mummies and birds and beat on drums. York was found guilty on 10 counts of child molestation and racketeering. He was acquitted of charges he abused children during a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. The verdict could mean the end for the Nuwaubians because it allows the government to seize parts of their compound, where some members still live. Over the years, York has incorporated Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Egyptian mysticism and space aliens into his teachings. He unsuccessfully argued he has American Indian heritage and should not be judged by the U.S. court system.