Warren Jeffs predicts a scourge on those who prosecute him
 
ABC 4 News
 
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Warren Jeff, who is now representing himself against sexual assault charges in a San Angelo courtroom told the court unless his trial is halted those involved will face quote "sickness and death."

The FLDS sect leader demanded they "cease prosecution" against his quote "pure, holy way." Jurors were not present for the reading of the statement Jeffs said was from God. A recess was called after earlier antics by Jeffs. Shortly after the jurors were dismissed for lunch, Jeffs demanded he be allowed to read the statement.

The statement said "I will send a scourge upon the counties of prosecutorial zeal to make humbled by sickness and death." District Judge Barbara Walther told Jeffs he could not threaten the jury. "If you call for their destruction, or in any way say that they will be injured or damaged because of their service, you will be removed from the courtroom."

It was not Judge Walther’s first admonishment for Jeffs Friday. Jeffs repeatedly interrupted the prosecution. Judge Walther said, "Mr. jeffs please sir, follow courtroom procedure." But courtroom procedure was far from normal as Jeffs acted as his own defense. He fired his defense team Thursday, and refused to offer opening arguments.

He sat quietly until Friday when an FBI agent testified about evidence found at the FLDS compound in April of 2008. Jeffs suddenly cried out "I object." "There is a sacred trust given to religious leadership not to be touched by government agencies."

The documents reportedly include the names and birthdays of Jeffs children, and wives. 55-year old jeffs is accused of sexually assaulting two underage girls. The FLDS church's 10-thousand members still see Jeffs as a prophet.

Jeffs told the court "We cannot surrender these principles based on the laws of man trying to convince us that our religion is not necessary in practice." Jeffs declared freedom of religion as a First Amendment right saying "This must stop in a land of freedom if all others are to receive a similar guarantee against their freedom of religion being trampled."

Jeffs said "Polygamy is not a sudden happening. It is a tradition in our lives, and how can we just throw it away and say God has not spoken." The jury listened intently to Jeffs showing no emotion as he told them "We do not seek your salvation." "Authorities are not understanding of our religious faith, but judging it."

He also spoke of persecution saying "We are derided for how we dress, how we go about or laborers in common society." and saying "The government of the United States has no right to infringe on the religious freedom of a peaceful people."

During recess the judge ordered Jeffs to speak with a defense attorney who sits in the public gallery. Despite that meeting, Jeffs continued constant objections throughout the day. Despite interruptions the prosecution was able to get through six witnesses. Trial resumes Monday morning at nine.

If convicted of sexually assaulting the 12 and 15 year olds, Jeffs faces life in prison.
 
ABC4.com
Originally published July 29, 2011
 
Back