Georgia sect leader guilty of child molestation

(CNN) — The leader of a religious sect was convicted Friday in Georgia of molesting boys and girls at the group’s ancient Egyptian-style compound.

Malachi York, head of the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors, was found guilty on four counts of racketeering and another six child molestation-related charges.

York was found not guilty of an 11th charge, transporting minors across state lines for sexual activity.

Sentencing is to occur in 60 days, after a pre-sentencing investigation. The 58-year-old could face up to 80 years in prison at sentencing, The Associated Press reported.

U.S. Attorney Max Wood said his office was excited about winning a guilty verdict after a first attempt to prosecute York was thwarted. “It’s been the top priority for us for two years,” he said.

Prosecutors contended that York used older girls to groom younger girls to have sex with him, and that the Nuwaubian sect was set up for his personal financial gain.

The group is based at a 476-acre compound near Eatonton, a small town about 80 miles southeast of Atlanta. The compound is decorated with copies of Egyptian pyramids. Its teachings incorporate parts of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Egyptian mysticism, American Indian heritage and space aliens, prosecutors said.

York did not take the stand, according to AP reports. His attorney Adrian Patrick 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, the AP reported.

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.

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