Guru's attorneys to argue for lenient sentence
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- A self-help author convicted of negligent homicide is getting closer to finding out what his punishment will be.
James Arthur Ray faces anything from probation to nine years in prison for the deaths of three people following a 2009 sweat lodge ceremony he led near Sedona. A jury found him guilty in late June on three counts of negligent homicide.
Attorneys in the case are preparing for a six-day mitigation hearing in which the defense will argue for a lenient sentence. Defense witnesses likely will talk about the benefits they've seen from Ray's teachings. The hearing starts Tuesday in Prescott.
Prosecutors want the maximum punishment for the deaths they say were entirely preventable.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 18.
Ray has no prior convictions.
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