Nuwaubians distribute fliers in Newton County

Leaflets contain information on case against Malachi York

Macon Telegraph/December, 27, 2002
By Rob Peecher

Covington -- Though Malachi York's trial was moved to Newton County because of pre-trial publicity, some of his followers are trying to get their view of the case to potential jurors before the trial.

Since Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge William A. Prior announced four weeks ago that he was moving the trial to Newton County, Nuwaubians have been handing out fliers and leaving tabloid newspapers on car windshields in downtown Covington and at area shopping centers.

The fliers contain information and opinions mostly about Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills and the case against York, the leader of the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors. York, who was arrested in May by the FBI, is charged in a 208-count state indictment with sexually abusing children.

District Attorney Fred Bright, who is prosecuting York and the woman referred to as his "main wife," Kathy Johnson, said the flier and newspaper appear to be intended to sway potential jurors.