The Nation - News from Feb. 19, 1985
A jury was selected in Houston to hear the trial of two Sanctuary Movement members accused of transporting illegal Salvadoran refugees into the United States. Jack Elder, 41, is charged with conspiracy, bringing illegal aliens to the United States and transporting illegal aliens. Stacey Merkt, 30, is accused of conspiracy and transporting illegal Salvadoran aliens. U.S. District Judge Filemon Vela reiterated an earlier decision to adopt a ruling in a previous federal trial that Elder was religiously motivated but the government could prosecute him because of overriding public interest.
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