Judge rules against polygamous sect in food-stamp fraud case
Source: Associated Press
Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press
Updated 6:21 pm, Tuesday, November 15, 2016
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A federal judge refused Tuesday to dismiss food stamp fraud charges filed against members of a polygamous group, rebuffing arguments that sharing benefits is a protected part of their religion.
U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart decided the case doesn't violate the religious freedoms of the secretive group accused of operating a multimillion-dollar scheme. Most of those accused in the case didn't receive benefits themselves, so they can't argue rules limiting their use is unfair, the judge wrote.
Stewart will, however, allow the defendants to argue at a Jan. 30 trial that they believe their eternal salvation depends on living communally.
. . .
Members of the polygamous group are accused of diverting food-stamp money to front companies and using it buy a truck and a tractor. Sect leaders lived lavishly while low-ranking followers suffered, federal prosecutors contend.
Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Judge-rules-against-polygamous-sect-in-food-stamp-10616744.php
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