Judge denies bond for Nuwaubian leader, grants it for partner

MACON - A federal judge denied bond Tuesday to the founder of the United Nuwaubians Nation of Moors but granted it for his partner. <br> <br> U.S. Magistrate Judge Claude Hicks said Dwight York, founder of the religious sect, represents a substantial danger to the community and is a risk to flee after being charged with transporting minors across state lines for sex. <br> <br> But Hicks said York&#39;s partner, Kathy Johnson, poses less of a risk. The judge also noted Johnson&#39;s multiple sclerosis in granting her $75,000 bond. She can&#39;t leave the state and can&#39;t be in contact with any minors other than her own children. <br> <br> Defense attorneys presented nine character witnesses on behalf of York and Johnson, who allegedly committed the crimes beginning in 1993. That was the year the group settled in rural Putnam County. <br> <br> Atlanta attorney Ed Garland said the 56-year-old York and 33-year-old Johnson should not continue to be jailed simply because they are controversial people charged with crimes. <br> <br> But Hicks said many historical figures espoused philosophies of exemplary behavior -- quote -- ``only to later be exposed &#39;talking the talk, but not walking the walking.&#39;&#39;&#39; <br> <br> State Rep. Tyrone Brooks was among six character witnesses who testified on York&#39;s behalf. Atlanta doctor and Nuwaubian follower Robert Kimbrough testified that he routinely conducted ``limited&#39;&#39; physical examinations on children at the Nuwaubians&#39; Eatonton compound and never found evidence of sexual abuse, although he acknowledged he did not conduct forensic sexual abuse examinations. <br> <br> Defense attorneys also attacked the credibility of interviews conducted by FBI agent Jalaine Ward. The interviews were not taped, but Ward said she followed common protocol for interviewing alleged victims of molestation. <br> <br> In addition to the federal charges, a Putnam County grand jury issued a 116-count indictment Monday against York, Johnson and three others. <br> <br> York was charged with 74 counts of child molestation, 29 counts of aggravated child molestation and related charges, including one count of rape. Johnson was named in five counts of the state indictment. <br> <br> The others -- identified as Chandra Lampkin, Kadijah Merritt and Esther Cole -- were indicted on state charges of child molestation.