| Jeffs being prosecuted for polygamist connections, defence argues | |
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By Daphne Bramham Vancouver Sun | |
ST. GEORGE, Utah - The only reason a 14-year-old girl went into a bedroom with her 19-year-old first cousin was because Warren Jeffs told her to, a jury has heard. During closing statements Friday the prosecution in Jeffs's accomplice to rape trial said the only reason the girl had sexual intercourse with her cousin a few weeks after the marriage Jeffs presided over was because he told her to. The prosecution said that is why the prophet of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints should be found guilty of two counts. But Jeffs's attorney argued there was no rape. Walter Bugden said the only reason Jeffs is on trial is because he leads the largest polygamous group in North America, which the state of Utah does not approve of. He noted that on the day the girl testified, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff was in the courtroom sitting with her lawyer. Bugden said there was no way that Jeffs knowingly aided in the rape even if he directed them to "go forth and replenish the earth." "The state does not have the courage to charge Warren Jeffs with what Mr. Jeffs may be criminally responsible for," which is unlawful marriage and the marriage of an under-aged girl, said Jeffs's lawyer Instead, "the state dropped a nuclear bomb on the FLDS community and charged Warren Steed Jeffs with rape. There was no rape. There is no accomplice liability," he added. But county attorney Brock Belnap argued the law prohibits sex with anyone under 18 if the person is in a position of trust or authority - which he said the girl's husband was as "priesthood head." Belnap noted that the husband himself said the only reason to marry was to have children. The attorney argued that by putting a 19-year-old man with a 14-year-old girl - both virgins - and telling them to "bring forth good priesthood children," Jeffs knew the outcome would be sexual intercourse. By her actions and words, Belnap argued the girl indicated she didn't want Steed to touch her, kiss her, hug her or be anywhere near her. She told everyone prior to the wedding that she didn't want to be married and that she hated him. If Jeffs is found guilty, the penalty ranges from five years to life in prison. If he is acquitted, Jeffs will not be free. He still faces 10 counts of sex-related charges in Arizona and two federal charges of unlawful flight from prosecution. | |
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canada.com Originally published Friday, September 21, 2007 | |
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