Sgt.: Guru Didn't Admit To Leading Sweat Lodge
CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) -- A Yavapai County sheriff's sergeant who responded to a deadly sweat lodge ceremony says a self-help author told him someone else was in charge.
Three people died following the October 2009 ceremony near Sedona.
James Arthur Ray is on trial for three counts of manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty.
The Prescott Daily Courier reports that Sergeant Frank Barbaro encountered Ray and asked him what he did for a living. Barbaro says Ray responded that he helped people change their lives and added that a man named Ted was in charge of the ceremony.
The judge ruled some of Barbaro's statements inadmissible before the trial began. That meant the jury didn't hear that a sheriff's lieutenant told Barbaro that Ray was advised against making a statement.
Barbaro resumes testimony Thursday.
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