Seized Nuwaubian properties await sale

Associated Press/August 10, 2004

Eatonton, Ga. -- It is not clear when the property the federal government seized from religious sect leader Malachi York will be sold, U.S. Marshal Theresa Rodgers said.

"I cannot say at this time," Rodgers said Monday.

The seized property includes a 476-acre compound used by the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors in rural Putnam County and a house in Athens. Last week, marshals, who were acting on a court order, seized the properties, which had been vacated by the group's members.

The properties have been valued at $1.7 million. They are expected to be sold with the money going back to the agencies that investigated and prosecuted York.

York was sentenced to 135 years in prison in April for child molestation and racketeering. Prosecutors said he recruited older girls to groom younger girls for sex with him and used the sect for his financial gain.

A hearing is set for Friday morning in U.S. District Court in Macon to hear a motion seeking a new trial for York.