Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) - The owner of a retreat center where a self-help guru held a sweat lodge ceremony says he doesn't favor the use of pesticides on the property.

Attorneys for James Arthur Ray have suggested that chemicals from treated wood or pesticides contributed to the deaths of three people following the 2009 ceremony.

Ray is on trial for three counts of manslaughter. He's pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors contend Ray recklessly caused the deaths.

Michael Hamilton testified Thursday that he has a policy not to burn treated wood. He says he and his wife, Amayra, aim to use only natural products at the retreat near Sedona.

Hamilton has a background in construction.

Ray rented the Angel Valley Retreat Center for his weeklong "Spiritual Warrior" seminar.