A federal judge won't dismiss food stamp fraud charges filed against members of a polygamous group who say sharing their benefits is a religious belief.
U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart decided Tuesday the case doesn't violate the religious freedoms of the secretive group accused of operating a multi-million-dollar scheme.
The judge will, however, allow the defendants to make their communal-living arguments at a trial set for Jan. 30.
A lawyer for one of 11 defendants says he's disappointed the case will go forward, but heartened that the religious-belief arguments can be heard by a jury.
Prosecutors say the polygamous group diverted food-stamp money to front companies, letting leaders live lavishly while low-ranking followers suffered.
Defense attorneys say the members believe their eternal salvation depends on pooling resources and there's no law barring donation of benefits.
