Peyote advocate is arrested

A Utah man who claims his use of peyote is for American Indian religious purposes was arrested Thursday.

James Mooney, 61, and his wife Linda, 51, both of Benjamin, and an associate, Nicholas Stark, 54, of Ogden, were charged federally on several counts involving possession of the drug.

Utah prosecutors have pursued for four years the charges against Mooney, who has claimed legislation cannot regulate religious drug use.

The three face charges of conspiracy to possess peyote with the intent to distribute, conspiracy to distribute peyote, distribution of peyote, possession of peyote with intent to distribute, possession of coca leaves and attempted possession of peyote with intent to distribute. Peyote is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.

The Mooneys are scheduled to appear before the United States Magistrate Judge Sam Alba at 11 a.m today. Maximum penalties for each count is up to 20 years in prison.