County combats 'nation'

Web posted March 13, 1999

Associated Press

EATONTON, Ga. -- Putnam County authorities have taken their legal battle with the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors to the air.

Aerial photos taken of the group's 474-acre compound were used as evidence in a hearing during which a judge ordered all construction to stop on the acreage.

The Nuwaubians, who claim to be descended from Egyptians who were the ``true Native Americans,'' had an unauthorized trash site and unpermitted buildings under construction on the site, according to the photos and county officials.

Judge Hugh V. Wingfield III issued the temporary restraining order Wednesday limiting use of the acreage just west of Eatonton to housing and farming. The property is owned by Nuwaubian leader Dwight Z. York, also known as Malachi York.

Eatonton attorney Frank Ford, who represents the county, described the garbage pile, estimated at 300 feet long and 20 feet wide, as an unauthorized landfill.

In January, Putnam County filed a lawsuit against Mr. York, Nuwaubians Victor Greig and Thomas Chism and 400 John and Jane Doe members to bar them from any construction on the property.

The courts have barred the Nuwaubians from operating a dance club on the property. The suit seeks to halt other businesses, including a taxicab company, a bookstore, a health-food store, a restaurant, a bar and a recording studio.

Neither Atlanta lawyer Roy Miller, who has been representing Mr. Greig and Mr. Chism in other matters, nor Mr. York's lawyer, Leroy Johnson of Atlanta, attended Wednesday's hearing.

On Thursday, Mr. Johnson told The Macon Telegraph he was not notified of the hearing. But Mr. Ford said he faxed both attorneys notice Wednesday morning.

Mr. Miller did not return a phone call Friday.

A hearing has been scheduled March 30 for Mr. York to show why the temporary restraining order should not become permanent.

Mr. Miller was in court Tuesday representing Mr. Chism and Mr. Greig in the separate suit the sheriff filed in May to prevent Mr. York and his followers from operating a nightclub on the compound.