Charges Dropped Against 3rd Man in Cult Murder Case

Child-abuse charges have been dropped against one of three remaining defendants accused of participating in a child molestation cult that allegedly produced a “snuff” film.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Rick Lewkowitz said Friday there was insufficient evidence to prosecute Alan Arbuckle, 29, of Sacramento. As a result, only two of the five original defendants still face charges in the case.

The cult was alleged to have conducted satanic sex rituals and to have made a film in which several children were murdered, but no film and no murder victims were ever found. No murder charges were filed.

Last month the district attorney dismissed charges against John P. Holman of Campbell and Roland A. Cuevas Jr. of Sacramento, both 36, for lack of evidence. But the prosecutor said he would continue to prosecute Veryl Lee Baker, 59, of Sacramento, and Gary Arthur Dill, 34, of Campbell.