Sentencing postponed for York in child molestation case

Sentencing for the leader of a quasi-religious sect convicted of molesting children at the group's compound has been postponed until next month.

The hearing for Malachi York, head of the United Nuwaubian Nation of Moors, was delayed until April 22. It had been set for last Friday.

The court also postponed a hearing on restitution and York's request for a change of counsel, U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Pam Lightsey said, adding that she didn't know the reason for the delays.

York, 58, was convicted Jan. 23 on multiple counts of child molestation and racketeering. Prosecutors have said he likely will get between 20 and 30 years in prison.

York's lawyer, Adrian Patrick, said his appeal can't be argued until after sentencing.

The delay in federal court also has stalled York's case in Putnam County Superior Court, said Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Fred Bright. Last year, York pleaded guilty to 77 state charges of child molestation as part of a plea agreement.