UPDATE: FLDS Leader's Convictions Overturned
 
Reported by: Laura Kellerman/CNN Newsource
KRBC Abilene
Warren Jeffs

UPDATE: Warren Jeffs' extradition hearing has been canceled after the Utah Supreme Court overturned his conviction and ordered a new trial.

Click the attachment below to read the complete ruling.

The Texas Attorney General requested the extradition to bring Jeffs to San Angelo to face the charges in relation to underage marriage with members of the polygamous group at the YFZ ranch near Eldorado.

Jeffs was convicted on charges of rape as an accomplice in 2007. Jeffs, the so-called "prophet" of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or FLDS, was sentenced to two consecutive terms of five years to life. He was accused of using his religious influence over his followers to coerce a 14-year-old girl into marrying her 19-year-old cousin.

"We regret the effect our opinion today may have on the victim of the underlying crime, to whom we do not wish to cause additional pain," the court said. "However, we must ensure that the laws are applied evenly and appropriately, in this case as in every case."

Click here to download attachment: jeffs utah supreme ct ruling
 
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Originally published July 27, 2010
 
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