[bloodrayne]

Man Refuses To Wear Electronic Monitor

Leon, Iowa -- A sex offender who belongs to a church that believes electricity is evil has asked a judge to exempt him from wearing an electronic monitor.

Scott Smith was given a short jail sentence and five years probation for molesting two teenage girls in 2003. At the time, he was a member of the Brotherhood of Christ and his wife and children still belong to the group.

At a hearing Thursday, Ron Livingston, leader of the Brotherhood, testified that the group believes literally that electricity can cause people to disobey God, the Des Moines Register reported. Livingston said an electronic monitor could harm Smith's children.

Smith has been refusing to wear the monitor. Judge Sherm Phipps could order him sent to prison or could grant him an exemption.

A social worker testified that she believes Smith is unlikely to commit another crime.