James Arthur Ray Pleads Not Guilty in Sweat Lodge Deaths

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) Motivational speaker James Arthur Ray has pleaded not guilty to three counts of manslaughter in the deaths of three people at an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony he led last year.

Photo: James Arthur Ray.



Ray was indicted and arrested on Wednesday for the deaths, which occurred in connection with an Oct. 8 ceremony intended to be the highlight of his five-day "Spiritual Warrior" event.

The ceremony was held at a retreat center he rented near Sedona.

Photo: James Arthur Ray mug shot.



Ray's lawyer entered the plea Thursday on his behalf.

Ray is being held in the Yavapai County, Arizona, jail on $5 million bond and faces a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 12 1/2 years on each count.

Ray's attorneys call the charges unjust and say they're confident he will be exonerated.


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