Jurors convicted a Church of Scientology opponent Thursday of using threats against the organization to interfere with its members' right to practice the religion. However, the jury deadlocked on whether the threats constituted terrorism.
The misdemeanor trial in Superior Court stemmed from charges filed by prosecutors after Keith Henson, 58, spent the summer picketing the church's Golden Era Productions facility in Gilman Hot Springs and posting his observations on a computer bulletin board.
He had been charged with three misdemeanors: making terrorist threats, attempting to make terrorist threats and making threats to interfere with freedom to enjoy a constitutional privilege. The jury convicted Henson of using threats to interfere with a constitutional privilege but could not agree on the other two charges.
After the verdict, Henson said he was happy that he was not convicted of terrorism but said he believes his First Amendment rights may be taken away if he is prohibited from posting his opinions.
"My biggest concern is the fact that Scientologists can prevent people from speaking out about (them)," he said.
The Palo Alto man started picketing Golden Era after the deaths of Ashlee Shaner and Stacy Meyer. Ashlee, 16, died in May when the vehicle she was driving collided with a tractor doing work for Golden Era. Meyer, 20, died in June at the facility after slipping in a electrical vault. Henson did not know nor was he related to either victim.
Henson said he believes the deaths are suspicious and wants the church held responsible. He said he was picketing the church's "callous disregard for human life." Investigators have filed no charges in either death.
Henson said he wanted to address this belief in his defense, but he said the judge ruled against it.
The church has a court order barring Henson from picketing at their compound. So, after his conviction Thursday, Henson picketed Scientology outside the courthouse on State Street.
Meanwhile, Golden Era spokeswoman Muriel Dufresne called the verdict "great news."
"Justice has been served. Religious bigotry will not be tolerated in Riverside County," Dufresne said.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Schwarz, who prosecuted the case, said it was unclear whether the DA would re-file the other charges. Henson's sentencing is scheduled for May 16. He faces a maximum of one year in jail.
Erin D. Randolph can be reached by e-mail at erandolph@pe.com or by phone at (909) 487-5229.