This Trial Drop is from my examination of court transcript for day #9—when Alphonso Robbins, aka Mo Africa, cross-examined prosecution witnesses while representing both himself and his co-defendant, Vincent Leaphart, aka John Africa.
The government has made its case: former MOVE members testified to the conspiracy and their roles in it, physical evidence was presented to the jury - bombs and guns, and ATF agents detailed their surveillance of MOVE in Rochester leading up to the arrests.
So you’d think Alphonso’s strategy for cross would be to go after the evidence.
Nope.
Per the orders of Vincent Leaphart, the silent puppet master in Jim Jones sunglasses and the author of this courtroom performance, the defense strategy was to put the system on trial and exalt MOVE. Translation: exalt him.
What follows are specific moments where Alphonso focused on creating a cult echo chamber in the courtroom, one myth at a time, by asking ATF agents what they observed while surveilling MOVE.
Alphonso Myth Prompt #1 – The MOVE Guidelines are powerful.
Alphonso Myth Prompt #2 - MOVE members are healthy and fit because of the teachings of John Africa.
Undeterred, Alphonso makes a second attempt to get a witness to say “Move people are strong.”
Alphonso Myth Prompt #3 - MOVE people are hard working and never stagnant hence their slogan On A Move.
Alphonso Myth Prompt #4 - MOVE loves their children, and they are never separated from their mothers:
Alphonso Myth Prompt #5 - MOVE is a great neighbor and generous community-oriented group.
Alphonso Myth Prompt #6 - Vincent Leaphart aka John Africa teaches that we must love all LIFE - that MOVE takes care of animals with the same care and respect as humans
*The “he” that Alphonso is referencing is Vincent.
Alphonso tried again with a 2nd ATF agent on the witness stand.
This was not the first report of neglected dogs inside MOVE properties. (Powelton Village and a MOVE house in Chester)
What comes next isn’t a myth prompt—it’s pure image spin. A clumsy attempt by Alphonso to paint MOVE as responsible, and in doing so, it accidentally exposes Vincent.
The guru of MOVE is so afraid of crossing bridges over water that he wears a life jacket.
The clinical term for this paralyzing fear is GEPHYROPHOBIA.
Alphonso tried to backpedal, claiming the life vests were for the children—the same children Vincent wouldn’t allow to wear shoes or coats in winter because those were “technology.”
According to psychiatrist Dr. Robert Jay Lifton, authoritarian and culty leaders build grandiose belief systems that demand absolute obedience, elevating themselves as divine, untouchable, all-powerful. But Lifton’s research shows the truth behind the performance: these men & women are often fragile, paranoid, and terrified of being exposed for who they are.
MOVE wants you to believe “John Africa” was infallible, righteous, godly.
The actual man, Vincent Leaphart, wore a life jacket to cross bridges, kept a 6-foot-6 bodyguard by his side, hid in a cave, and wanted to blow up the world.
