Petition to be refiled
The director of Fayette County’s Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development said Tuesday that an improperly filed petition for contempt against William Pritts, the founder of the Church of Universal Love and Music, would be refiled. While unaware that the petition against the concert-holding church founder had been dismissed on a minor paperwork matter, Tammy Shell said she has no doubts that the corrected petition would be filed soon.
“I can tell you if we need to refile, we will,” said Shell.
Office solicitor Sheryl Heid, who filed the petition last week, was unavailable for comment.
The contempt petition deals with a four-day music festival Pritts held on his Acme, Bullskin Township, land earlier this month in violation of zoning ordinances and a court order.
The order provided the county the ability to recoup $500 for each day Pritts violates the order, plus court costs and attorney fees.
But the motion to uphold that court order was denied on Monday without prejudice because a copy of the order was not attached to the motion. Since it was denied without prejudice, it can be refiled.
Pritts hosted “The Freedom Festival,” a concert event that directly violated a court order that he was to stop hosting concerts. Judge Steve P. Leskinen ruled that because Pritts was charging admission, he was violating zoning laws.
Pritts denied that anyone was charged admission. He said some people made donations on their own accord.
He said the concerts are held in accord with the interfaith church’s beliefs that music can help bring people closer to God.