Two defendants in Nuwaubian case plead guilty

Posted By: Isis1
Date: Tuesday, 3 June 2003, at 11:04 p.m.

June 02, 2003

Two defendants in Nuwaubian case plead guilty

By Matt Tanner - The Union-Recorder

Chandra Lampkin and Khadijah Merritt, members of the quasi-religous
group known as Nuwaubians, both pleaded guilty in Baldwin County
Superior Court Friday to two counts of child molestation.

They were sentenced to 10 years probation and ordered to pay fines
and court costs in the amount of $675.

Both defendants used what is known as an "Alford plea," a type of
plea used by a defendant when he or she recognizes that, based on the
evidence against them, it is in their best interest to plead guilty.

Fred Bright, Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney, was pleased with the sentence, saying several factors were taken into account in
the sentencing decision.

"Number one, both defendants had already served seven months in jail," he said. "Number two, there was evidence that both of these
defendants had been victimized by Dwight York when they were minors. Both of them basically had been raised on the Nuwaubian compound."

Nuwaubian leader Dwight York pleaded guilty Jan. 24 in Putnam County Superior Court to 40 counts of aggravated child molestation, 34
counts of child molestation, one count of sexual exploitation and two counts of influencing witnesses.

York was due to be sentenced in federal court Thursday and in Putnam County Superior Court Friday, but those hearings were delayed.

Kathy Johnson, who is believed to be York's "main wife," pleaded guilty on April 30 before a federal judge to the felony offense of
misprision of a felony. The offense carries a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both.

On the state level, Johnson has been charged with 10 counts of child molestation and one count of aggravated child molestation. On Sept.
5, 2002, Johnson's lawyer filed a demand for a speedy trial. Brian Steele argued in a Jan. 16 hearing in Putnam County that his demand
for a speedy trial for his client had expired. Prior denied the motion, and Steele appealed the decision.

The case is set for oral argument in the Court of Appeals in early July.

Another defendant, Isityr Cole, has been indicted on one count of child molestation and is still awaiting trial.

Messages In This Thread

Two defendants in Nuwaubian case plead guilty
Isis1 -- Tuesday, 3 June 2003, at 11:04 p.m.

Isis the Horlat
Egiptian Mystic -- Saturday, 7 June 2003, at 2:28 a.m.

Re: Isis the Horlat
Isis1 -- Saturday, 7 June 2003, at 5:31 p.m.

Re: Isis the Horlat
willie survive -- Monday, 9 June 2003, at 9:06 p.m.

Re: Isis the Harlot and willie soft serve
Warrior Cherub -- Tuesday, 10 June 2003, at 1:11 p.m.

Re: Isis the Harlot and willie soft serve
jessi -- Wednesday, 18 June 2003, at 9:49 p.m.

jessi
Warrior Cherub -- Thursday, 19 June 2003, at 10:53 a.m.

Re: jessi
jessi -- Thursday, 19 June 2003, at 5:27 p.m.

Re: jessi
Warrior Cherub -- Wednesday, 25 June 2003, at 11:32 p.m.