From kevyn@KSUVM.KSU.EDUFri Jul 28 21:34:24 1995
Date: Fri, 28 Jul 1995 17:25:59 -0500 (CDT)
From: Kevyn Jacobs <kevyn@KSUVM.KSU.EDU>
To: "Kansas Queer News [KQN]" <KQN@casti.com>
Subject: Phelps' grandson convicted (fwd)



_The Wichita Eagle_ Friday, July 28, 1995 page 4D "Phelps grandson guilty
of battery"

EMPORIA - A grandson on anti-gay activist Fred Phelps was found guilty of
battery Thursday for spitting on a man during the picketing of a restaurant.
 The Lyon county District Court jury deliberated 41/2 hours before convicting
Benjamin C. Phelps of the misdemeanor.
 Testimony ended Wednesday when Benjamin Phelps denied spitting on Jerold
Berger, husband of the restaurant owner.  Phelps said he was coming to the
defense of James Hockenbarger, whom he said was being charged at by Berger.
Phelps said Berger put his hand on him.  Berger testified that any contact
with Phelps was unintentional and could not have been more than a brush
against him.
 The trial was the fourth of six being held for Fred Phelps and five members
of his Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka.  Charges stem from encounters that
took place during demonstrations.