Scientology Controls Riverside County, CA

Here's another town or county, in addition to Clearwater, FL, that you should not live in if you choose to become a critic of Scientology or if you are just basically against them.

Keith Henson is an engineer, scientist, and Scientology critic. Apparently, in 2000, he was picketing the Scientology's "armed" compound at Gilman Hot Springs, north of Hemet, CA. It would seem there was a freak accident where a young woman was killed when a crew working for the cult left their skiploader vehicle sticking out on the dark highway and she got decapitated.

So how did Henson get arrested? It would seem that he was browsing the Usenet group, alt.religion.scientology, and there was a thread about sending in "Tom Cruise missiles." So he responded to that thread. By doing so, Scientology got Mr. Henson arrested and he was charged with outrageous counts such as making terrorist threats, stalking, and harassment.

It went to court, and Henson was at a clear disadvantage. Scientology had the cash, its numerous whining witnesses, and a judge that was clearly "bought" by the organisation. Mr. Henson's lawyer could not mount a sufficient defense, was not allowed to mention the word "Scientology" and his witnesses were not allowed to give testimony. In the end, he was found guilty of interfering with a religion, a misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to a year in jail.

Since he knew that he won't be safe at Riverside, he wanted to relocate to Canada. Scientology told Canadian authorities that he was a danger. Henson had no choice but to return back to the states.

He was later arrested in Arizona and is awaiting extradition to Riverside County to complete his jail sentence.

Now, his lawyer is unable to communicate with him, his wife is not allowed to visit him, and Keith Henson cannot even get his medication. Meanwhile, the Scientology machine is going full-tilt, using anonymous postings, web sites, and other means of communication to tell everyone that Henson is a dangerous pedophile and a child molester.

There is currently an online petition to get Keith Hanson pardoned.

As such, if you want more details on this person and the trouble that Scientology is giving him, visit http://www.operatingthetan.com/.

Thanks to Daily Kos for publicising this terrible story.

Here are the detailed charges against Keith Henson. Quite ridiculous.

If you live in Riverside County, CA, do not get Judge Robert H. Wallerstein to preside over your case.