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“Spiritual warrior” James Arthur Ray, who was indicted on three manslaughter charges yesterday, pleaded not guilty to each charge this morning in Yavapai County Superior Court.
Ray’s attorney entered the not guilty plea on Ray’s behalf and told the Associated Press the charges were “unjust” and he expected Ray to be exonerated.
Ray’s bail has been set at $5 million — a small price to pay for a guy who’s made millions selling snake oil to anyone willing to drink the Kool-Aid — but for now, Ray has opted to remain in the Camp Verde Detention Center.
As you’re probably well aware, Ray is the (ahem) mastermind behind the October sweat lodge fiasco that left three people dead and dozens injured. At the time of the “spiritual warrior” retreat, Ray seemed to think it was a good idea to put dozens of people in a make-shift, poorly-ventilated sweat tent filled with steaming rocks.
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According to authorities, when people started passing out, having seizures, and throwing up, Ray ignored their pleas for help.
Ray — as you might imagine — denies ever hearing anyone complain.
If convicted, Ray faces a minimum of three years in prison and a maximum of 12 years, for each manslaughter charge.
