United States Department of Justice

“ Four former members of a cult headed by the late Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to murder the United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, Charles H. Turner. In January, 1985, United States Attorney Turner began directing federal grand jury investigation into alleged violations of U.S immigration laws by the Bhagwan and those of his followers who had participated in fraudulent marriages in order to remain in the United States. ”

“ These arrests follow the guilty plea by another former member of the cult, Alma Peralta, also known as Ma Dhyan Yogini, of Tucson Arizona. All five had been followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who presided over the commune of as many as 4000 followers between August, 1981 and November, 1985. ”