National Geographic – Beyond 90 Seconds

In a phone interview with Beyond90Seconds.com this morning, District Attorney Donald Gallegos said it’s possible the criminal case against controversial church leader Wayne Bent may not take place this year. Pressed for a prediction, Gallegos said he feels that there is a “50/50” chance the trial will get underway in 2008.

If the Bent trial is pushed to 2009, expect a new judge to be assigned to the case. Learn the reason why in the Beyond90Seconds.com podcast interview with Gallegos.

While Gallegos explained that he could not discuss specifics concerning the State’s case against Wayne Bent (yes, that certainly includes evidence), he did provide several insights into the legal process, especially factors that could affect a trial date.

Gallegos stressed that the State is ready to go to trial and that the alleged victims are ready, too.

On May 20, a grand jury indicted Bent on four counts: two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor in the second degree, unclothed. And two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

TODAY’S *PODCAST (Total run time is 12:39)

*In my introductory remarks in today’s podcast, I reference the British documentary, The End of the World Cult. If you’d like to watch it, you may do so below:

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Larry King Live *VIDEO*: “Inside a Doomsday Cult”

New Update: ( May 25, 2008 ) A reader of this blog has correctly pointed-out today that the Larry King Live videos are no longer available. Turns out the person who had posted these videos on Youtube has had his account suspended.

Update: Rush transcript of Larry King Live program

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Here is a look (below) at last night’s Larry King Live program concerning Wayne Bent and The Lord Our Righteousness Church. The program appears here in 5 parts.

Larry King’s panel:

Jeff Bent, son of church leader Wayne Bent
-“First of all, he’s not Jesus Christ.”
-says documentary’s claim that father had predicted “the end of the world” is a lie

Prudence Welch
-much more from Welch in my interview with her here.

Rachel Bernstein, psychotherapist & “cult expert”
-“I see him (Wayne Bent) in the candy store of his own making.

Ben Anthony (film producer)
-“Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.”
-“…also quite a disturbing experience…”

Allen Armstrong, Former Minister of Bent/Travesser’s Church

Matt Grubs, KOAT-TV reporter

Capt. Robert Shilling, New Mexico State Police
-says W. Bent’s bail reduced from $500,000 to $50,000 at Thursday’s arraignment

This program begins with an update on the Texas polygamy case making news in recent weeks. Guests are Rod Parker (spokesperson for Yearning for Zion Ranch familes) and KTVK-TV reporter Mike Watkiss.

This program concludes with Anderson Cooper promoting his AC 360 look at developments in the “cult-like” Charles Manson case.

(*clicking play button at lower left of video window conveniently keeps you here. Clicking play button in center of video takes you to youtube)

What do you think of what came out of this program? You’re comments are welcome below.

(*After searching the ‘net this morning, I found that “torbenmiller” had uploaded these videos on youtube. Thank you, torbenmiller.)

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