Rights leader convicted of incest awaits sentence
Oct 15, 2008
LEESBURG, Va. (AP) — A hearing is under way to decide if an aide to Martin Luther King Jr. will spend time in prison for an incest conviction.
The Rev. James L. Bevel took the stand Wednesday and revealed he has end-stage pancreatic cancer. He says doctors estimate he has six weeks to six months to live.
Bevel was convicted in April of having sex 15 years ago with his then-teenage daughter. Bevel faces up to 15 years in prison.
Bevel was a prominent civil rights figure and a top lieutenant to King. Bevel is also credited with helping conceive and organize the Million Man March.
Bevel was asked on the stand if he’ll take responsibility for his conduct. He said “No,” and explained that saying he’s sorry won’t resolve the problem.
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