German sect leader sent to trial

Santo Domingo.- The German leader of a Sosua-based religious sect has been ordered to face trial on weapons charges.

Judge Yacaira Veras ruled there is enough evidence to try Peter Brunck along with his son, Daniel Roland. Both men were arrested in a deadly October 2012 raid but have since been released on bail.

The 62-year-old Brunck is the leader of a religious group known as the "Academy for Future Health."

Police killed a member of the sect and seized rifles and assault weapons in the raid. The group had permits for the rifles but assault weapons are illegal in the Dominican Republic.

Both men deny committing any crimes.

Several officers are being investigated in the alleged theft of cash and jewelry during the raid near Sosua.