by JULIE ROSE

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (MYFOXPHOENIX) -- Self-help guru James Arthur Ray, organizer of last year's fatal sweat lodge incident in which 3 people died, has been arrested on manslaughter charges.Almost four months after three people died, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office has filed charges against motivational speaker James Arthur Ray. Ray has been indicted on 3 counts of manslaughter and is awaiting transfer to the Camp Verde Detention Center.

Sheriff Steve Waugh says the manslaughter charges stem from the deaths of 38-year-old Kirby Brown, 40-year-old James Shore, and 49-year-old Liz Neuman, who were participants in Ray's Spiritual Warrior retreat in Sedona, Ariz. last October.

They died after taking part in a cleansing ceremony during which participants passed out, vomited, but were still urged to stay inside. In addition to the 3 people who died, 18 others were injured.Ray has maintained his innocence, saying he is not criminal negligent in any way and did everything he could to help the victims. But many sweat lodge participants have stated he should've done more to ensure their safety.

YCSO served the arrest warrant for James Ray at his attorney's office in Prescott and he was taken into custody about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.Sheriff Waugh issued a statement thanking the victims' families for their patience during the investigation, saying he hopes they will soon have some closure to the tragedy.

Ray's bond has been set at $5 million.

See also: The Scourge of our Time: The Demise of Critical Thinking in the Age of The Secret