Beholden to a Higher Law

Inmate asks court to recognize him as the Messiah Thursday, March 29, 2001

BAY CITY, Mich. — A prison inmate is suing in federal court, demanding recognition as the Messiah.

Chad De Koven's suit also seeks a presidential pardon and the right to come and go as he pleases from the prison in Standish, Michigan. He's been behind bars for 20 years for the armed robbery of a Taco Bell.

The complaint argues that since he owns everything on earth, he couldn't be guilty of robbery.

Recent changes in federal and state laws have made it easier for judges to dismiss frivolous lawsuits by inmates.

Records show De Koven has filed 14 other lawsuits claiming his civil rights have been violated. All have been dismissed. The latest is awaiting a ruling from the U.S. District Court in Bay City.

http://foxnews.com/fn99/foxlife/032901/lawsuit.sml

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001