The State : Cult Member Arrested
Ma Deva Kranto--also known as Gail Ellen Murphy--was captured by FBI agents in Santa Cruz. Murphy, 45, one of 21 followers of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh accused of taking part in a wiretapping conspiracy at the cult’s former commune in Oregon, was taken into custody when she tried to visit her parents, who were reported gravely ill. Assistant U.S. Atty. Baron C. Sheldahl in Portland said U.S. Magistrate Patricia Trumbull in San Jose freed Murphy on her own recognizance, pending a hearing July 23, on condition that she surrender her passport and report twice a week to federal probation authorities.
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