Nation: Rattlesnake Tale (Contd.)

Synanon 's founder is arrested

Late one afternoon, about 30 Arizona and California law officers descended on a sparsely developed section of Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Their quarry was Charles ("Chuck") Dederich, 65, the founder of Synanon, who was wanted in connection with an attempt in October to murder Los Angeles Attorney Paul Morantz with a rattlesnake hidden in his mail box. The officers found Dederich at home. Said Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney John Watson: "He was in a stupor, staring straight ahead, with an empty bottle of Chivas Regal in front of him." Because his physical condition did not permit...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!