PROBATION OFFICER'S STATEMENT: On May 7, 2001, the defendant was interviewed at the Hemet Probation Office. On advice of counsel, he declined to make a specific statement as to the offense for which he was convicted by a jury. He did not wish to incriminate himself because two counts are still pending. He advised he was on his way to court to file a Declaration (copy attached). However, the defendant advises he views this case as a political issue and a violation of his civil rights. It is his intent to expose the "core beliefs" of the Church of Scientology. "I want reform or for the church to go out of business. They are pervasively criminal." He talked about the church defrauding the IRS out of millions of dollars. He advises the church is currently under investigation by the FBI. The defendant indicates he has a lot of supporters around the country, including individuals who have sent him money for his cause against the church. He admits picketing the church frequently with up to "200 others". He advises he has also picketed the church at its location in Florida. He acknowledges his behavior is somewhat eccentric. He relates his initial contact with the Church of Scientology occurred on January l1, 1995. He advises that, in the early days of the Internet, there were what was known as "news groups". These news groups would post information about the Church of Scientology. His dislike for the church was heightened when the church began destroying the news groups because they did not like the anti-propaganda being posted. The defendant admits writing articles about the Church of Scientology in order to expose their beliefs about "body thetans...people's spirits from other planets, space aliens". The church sued him over some copyright material, and he lost the lawsuit. He then filed bankruptcy. Thereafter, he has been monitoring the church. He indicates he was particularly angered when a young girl was killed during church construction by an errant front loader in front of the church on May 17, 2000. "That's why I'm picketing." He then states on June 25, 2000, there was an incident involving a squirrel I, in a transformer at the church that resulted in a young lady being electrocuted. He views that incident as "utter lack of concern" for the safety of others. He views the church as an institution involved in the death of untold numbers of innocent individuals whom some are involved with the church. Regarding sentencing, the defendant is opposed to a grant of probation if it includes search terms of his personal property or residence for the detection of explosives or any other contraband. He feels the church with its high powered attorneys will exploit local law enforcement agencies in his home town to execute unwarranted searches. He indicates if the judge were to "slap me on the wrist, give me a $20 fine, I would go back to it", referring to his "very important civil rights" to protest the church. Ultimately, the defendant states he would like probation denied, and the Court to impose custody and stay it, pending appeal. He advises he would honor the OR agreement in that he would stay away from Golden Era Productions, located in Gilman Hot Springs, California. He suggested if he were committed to county jail, as opposed to a stay, he would be a martyr in the eyes of his followers. In conclusion, the defendant is viewed as being eccentric and obsessed with the doctrine/beliefs of the Church of Scientology. The defendant is an educated and articulate man with expertise in explosives and weapons of destruction. Given the circumstances of the current offense, coupled with the defendant's extremist demeanor, he is perceived as a real threat to the Church of Scientology. It is the recommendation of the Probation Officer that the defendant be placed on formal probation, including search terms and that he have no contact with any members or property locations of the Church of Scientology. It is also recommended custody time in the vicinity of 200 days is appropriate to deter the defendant from further intimidation and threats to the church. It is hoped the defendant would accept conditions of probation in order that he can be monitored in the community for a prolonged period of time. A stay of custody time on appeal would further promote his cause among other extremists and followers. Accordingly, the following recommendation is respectfully submitted to the Court for its consideration. CREDIT FOR TIME SERVED: Local Time 0 days
PC 4019 Time days
PC 2933.1 Time days
Total Time Credited 0 days
Date(s) of Arrest Date(s) of Release Booking #(s) N/A [ Editorial Note: Keith Henson was neither arrested or booked for the "crimes" he stood trial for. WGH]