Charges Against Santero Dropped As Prosecutors Examine Free Exercise Issues

Utah prosecutors have dropped, at least temporarily, two charges of desecration of a human body that had been brought against a Santeria clergyman (santero). According to yesterday's Salt Lake Tribune, last week prosecutors asked a state court judge to dismiss the case without prejudice while they investigated further the constitutional free exercise of religion issues involved.  In March, a Narcotics Strike Force, insted of finding drugs, found hundreds of pounds of animal remains as well as two human skulls at the Clearfield (UT) home of Roberto Casillas-Corrales.  Apparently the two human skulls were purchased by the santero for $3500.