Ex-Rajneesh Mayor Sentenced

David Berry Knapp, who was known as Swami Krishna Deva when he was mayor of the now-defunct commune of Rajneeshpuram, was sentenced today to two years in prison on a federal conspiracy charge.

U.S. District Judge Edward Leavy imposed the sentence despite the recommendations of defense lawyers and prosecutors, who suggested that Knapp be placed on probation. Knapp had pleaded guilty, admitting that he filed a false petition with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and entered into a sham marriage. He said the acts were part of a conspiracy to allow foreign followers of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh to remain in the United States.