SANDPOINT - A Sagle attorney convicted of plotting the murders of his wife and her mother is threatening litigation over the Bonner County Jail's book policy.

Edgar Steele contends the facility's policy of allowing only Bibles to be delivered to inmates violates his right to freedom of religion.

"I am a Taoist," Steele said in the four-page tort claim, also known as a notice of intent to sue.

Taoism is philosophical and religious tradition which dates back to 6th century China. It emphasizes compassion, moderation and humility.

Steele also contends the jail effectively censors inmate reading materials because jail chaplains distribute them. Steele said the materials tend to be of the Christian fundamentalist and dispensationalist varieties.

"This constitutes an illegal and extensive entanglement of church and state," Steele wrote.

The claim seeks a broadened book policy. If the claim is denied, Steele would be free to file suit against the county in 1st District Court. If the matter results in civil litigation, Steele intends to obtain unspecified monetary damages from the county.

County officials do not comment on pending tort claims as a matter of policy.

Steele, 65, was accused of plotting with handyman Larry Fairfax to kill the two women last summer. Fairfax exposed the plot to the FBI before it could be fully carried out, although a pipe bomb was found affixed to his wife's vehicle.

A U.S. District Court jury in Boise convicted Steele on May 5 of four criminal counts related to the alleged murder-for-hire plot.

The prosecution argued that Steele, former defense counsel for the Aryan Nations, hatched the plan so he could pursue other women. Steele's legion of supporters, which includes his wife, maintain he is a victim of an elaborate federal government frame-up aided by Fairfax.

Steele is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 22. He faces at least 30 years in federal prison. He is being held at the Bonner County Jail while sentencing is pending.