I hate to ask this dumb question (but my excuse is I'm really tired and can't even think of how to ask) but since I haven't read all the info about the cult, were they that familiar with the lake? Were they fishermen/hunters, too? I may have to download that book on my Kindle soon; it may change my perspective. Thanks to everyone!
Good morning Happyshoes and everyone! Thought I might add a little information regarding the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors aka Dwight York aka "Chief Black Eagle" aka “Ansaru Allah Community” (AAC).
"In
1993, York bought a 476-acre property in Putnam County, Ga., and moved there with members of his Brooklyn chapter. The relative isolation of the land probably appealed to him; the largest town in the region is Eatonton, population 6,764 in 2000. The move may also have been prompted by the fact that the group had been investigated by the FBI for criminal acts allegedly committed by its members in Brooklyn, including arson,
welfare fraud, and illegal possession of weapons."
"York’s operation became very profitable. During a June 1998 “Savior’s Day” celebration at the Georgia compound, York took in about $500,000. He charged Nuwaubians $25 a year for their Nuwaubian “passports,” which allowed them to enter and exit the compound. A network of chapters and bookstores, called All Eyes on Egipt, also brought in funds, and members continued to raise money through begging and
holding jobs."
"
A Nuwabian member, along with several "associates" of the group, were indicted in Atlanta for counterfeiting payroll checks to the tune of $5 million. (A son of York's was indicted in Richmond, Va., on similar charges.) Two men with reputed ties to the Nuwaubian Nation were arrested for armed robbery in Rockdale County, halfway between Putnam and Atlanta.
"There's a myriad of criminal activity associated with the group," Sills says."
The part that I bolded and enlarged is what makes me wonder if somehow there is a connection between the Dermonds and the Nuwabians. I know Mr. Dermond was no longer active in the restaurant chain business, but I assume he still maintained a presence especially regarding the finances and profits and losses. I would be interested in what companies had their payroll checks counterfeited and who helped "catch the counterfeiters" and who testified against them, etc.
Anyway, the Nuwaubians have sued Sheriff Sills 12 times and even attempted to place a lien on Sheriff Sills property.
The women of the group were impregnated by Dwight York in order to draw welfare checks and the women who weren't pregnant were given urine by the pregnant women in order to file for welfare checks. Hmmmmm..... lots of fraud going on with these folks.
I read that a lot of the local folks joined the Nuwabian bandwagon when they came to Putnam County, Georgia. I don't really know if the original Nuwaubian cult members knew how to fish or hunt, but I feel positive that the locals from Putnam county knew how to fish and hunt and were quite familiar with the lay of the land including Lake Oconee. Now by the time Sheriff Sills arrested Dwight York the numbers of the cult had dwindled, but there are always a few die-hards. He still has an active web site and I am sure there are still a few faithful to him. I don't believe all members went back to where they came (New York). They hung around in Georgia, especially the locals who joined :moo:
http://www.splcenter.org/get-inform...s/2002/fall/savior-in-a-strange-land?page=0,2
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/groups/nuwaubian-nation-of-moors
For what it's worth, there is a cult in Houston County where I live. They have a supreme leader. All the men stay at the compound and the women are sent into the community to work - at the Family Dollar Store, cleaning houses, etc. They even allow their children to attend public school. They aren't really into guns or militia-type training. In fact, they are called a Hippy Commune more than a cult. I believe they would much rather smoke a joint and lay around doing nothing that start a war.
Anyhow, I meant no disrespect to Sheriff Sills and his comment about giving his workers off for the Memorial Day weekend. I am sure they all needed it and he probably need a break himself although it sounded like he worked going through paperwork. From what I have seen and heard of Sheriff Sills, I like him a lot. I hope he can solve this case. I wish him luck because he's going to need it. Hopefully, the perps will be caught and justice will be served because no one deserves it more than the people of Putnam County Georgia and the residents of Great Water/Reynolds Plantation. I hope this upcoming Fourth of July is one of the best ever for everyone, and it would be even better if we knew who killed the Dermonds and they were behind bars. :moo:
:happy4th::fireworks2::fireworks:
