Federal authorities are considering laying charges against a man who claims he is head of a Native American Church group.

James "Flaming Eagle" Mooney claims one-quarter Seminole ancestry but is not a member of any federally recognized tribe. Nevertheless, he won a Utah Supreme Court ruling affirming his right to use peyote.

Federal authorities sent Mooney and his wife a letter warning of possible charges. The U.S. is considering an appeal of the Utah decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Get the Story:
Utah County man under heat for offering peyote to public (AP 8/30)

Court Decision:
State of Utah v. Mooney (June 22, 2004)

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