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Scientology's leading critic is arrested
By THOMAS C. TOBIN © St. Petersburg Times, published September 12, 1998 Robert S. Minton, a Boston millionaire who has spent nearly $2-million on anti-Scientology causes, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and jailed briefly before posting $25 bail. According to Boston police, the weapon was the stick from a picket sign Minton was holding as he protested against Scientology outside the church's Beacon Street headquarters. Police said Minton used the stick to strike Frank Ofman, a Scientology public affairs officer. Minton said Friday that he reacted after Ofman struck him with a fist to his temple and slapped his cheek. "I guarantee you that isn't true," said Mike Rinder, a top official for Scientology, which has its worldwide spiritual headquarters in Clearwater. "If that's the case, then why did the police arrest him?" Minton said the stick holding up his sign broke during a scuffle and that he swatted Ofman with a placard, which had a portion of the stick still attached. Ofman was treated for a minor injury and is fine, Rinder said. Minton said he had pictures and other evidence to prove Ofman attacked him and will "vigorously pursue" charges against Ofman. The police report in Boston makes no mention of Minton being attacked. Officers arrested him after viewing a videotape taken by church staffers. "He is literally out there causing acts of violence," Rinder said of Minton. "He's a trouble-causer and a nut. I think that's how he should be viewed." It was the second time this summer that police were called to an incident involving Scientologists and Minton. In late July, it was the Scientologists who were picketing Minton, showing up at his farm in Sandown, N.H. According to Sandown police, Minton shot into the air as a warning to four Scientologists who allegedly trespassed on his property. No charges were filed in that incident, although the Sandown police chief said both sides overstepped their bounds. Minton, a retired investment banker, has used his money to back people who are in litigation with Scientology. He says the church abuses its members and critics. He also has participated in and staged anti-Scientology pickets around the country, including one in Clearwater last December. In response, church members have picketed his homes in New Hampshire and Boston.
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he man considered to be the Church of Scientology's No. 1 enemy was arrested Thursday after a scuffle with church members in Boston.
