"I am not a missing person," Church of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard said in a signed statement that has led a judge to believe the reclusive author is healthy despite a son's claim to the contrary. Superior Court Judge David Hennigan said Friday that the declaration, which included fingerprints experts have said belong to the 72-year-old Hubbard, made him believe Hubbard still is alive. Hubbard has not made a public appearance in years. Hennigan said the seven-page document, filed with ...

Carson City, Nev. (AP) — More pleas for controls on cults were aired Monday as the Senate Judiciary Committee reviewed a plan to allow for civil lawsuits against cults or any other groups which bilk people. No immediate action was taken on SB343, being pushed by Sen. Bill Hernstadt who had to "deprogram" a daughter who had joined the Church of Scientology. Scientology representatives were criticized by Sen. Thomas "Spike" Wilson, committee chairman, for failing to deliver promised documents outlining their ...

TORONTO — More than 100 police officers swept through the offices of a Church of Scientology building Thursday seizing documents as possible evidence in an investigation of fraud against the federal and Ontario governments. Inspector Phil Caney said the two-year investigation centers on a non-profit tax exemption obtained by Scientology "by alleged misrepresentations." Ontario Provincial Police also are investigating consumer fraud in the marketing of courses and alleged conspiracy to commit indictable offenses "where perceived necessary to protect the interests of ...

DENVER — A handwritten letter signed "L. Ron Hubbard" was published under copyright in the Sunday edition of the Rocky Mountain News, purporting to knock down rumors that the reclusive father of the controversial Church of Scientology is dead. In the letter, dated Feb. 3, the writer says he was "dismayed" at the church's confrontations with the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service and the Food and Drug Administration, and noted that the incidents occurred after Hubbard resigned from the church in ...

Church of Scientology officials Monday produced a second letter purportedly written by church founder L. Ron Hubbard, saying he is alive and well and believes his estate to be in good hands. The handwritten letter was filed as part of a motion to dismiss the Riverside County Superior Court probate battle in which Hubbard's son, Ronald DeWolf, claims his father is either dead or incompetent. DeWolf says church officials have been stealing millions of dollars from the 71-year-old Hubbard and is ...