Mall Guards Cleared In Beating Of Boys

Five Nation of Islam members were cleared Tuesday in the beating of four boys who said mall security guards forced them to run naked through a gantlet after detaining them for stealing.

A Dallas County grand jury declined to indict a Nation minister and four Westcliff Mall security guards, all Nation members, on kidnapping charges. All have been free on bond.

The guards told police the boys admitted breaking into the mall and stealing $300 and a cash register from an antiques store June 11.

The youngsters said guards rounded them up the next day, beat them, ordered them to undress and beat them again before taking them to a room in the mall where Nation members had gathered for a class.

In the room, the boys said they were forced to run naked through a gantlet of about 50 Nation members and were beaten with belts and bamboo canes.

None of the men were charged in the beatings.