Texas polygamist sect member guilty of sex assault
 
By MICHELLE ROBERTS
The Associated Press
Houston Chronicle
Harry Cabluck AP
Raymond Jessop

Raymond Jessop, left, the first man to face criminal charges following the raid of a polygamist sect's West Texas ranch in April, 2008, is seen outside the courtroom during a recess in his trial in Eldorado, Texas on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted of sexual assault of a child, a charge stemming from his alleged marriage to an underage girl. His father, Merril Jessop, is in the background.

ELDORADO, Texas — Jurors in the first criminal trial following the raid of a polygamist group's Texas ranch have convicted a member of sexual assault of a child.

Thirty-eight-year-old Raymond Jessop was convicted Thursday of the charge that stemmed from his alleged marriage to an underage girl.

He's the first group member to face a criminal trial since Texas authorities raided the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' ranch in Eldorado last year.

Prosecutors say the girl was brought to the Yearning For Zion Ranch at age 15 and entered a so-called "spiritual" marriage with Jessop. She became pregnant at 16.

Defense attorneys argued prosecutors failed to produce a witness that placed Jessop in Schleicher (SHLYE'-kur) County at the time of the alleged assault.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

ELDORADO, Texas (AP) — A prosecutor in the first criminal trial stemming from the raid of a polygamist group's Texas ranch urged jurors to convict a 38-year-old member of sexual assault of a child.

Standing before photos of the alleged victim and her daughter, Assistant Attorney General Eric Nichols said the evidence showed that Raymond Jessop was guilty.

Nichols said the alleged victim was brought to the Yearning For Zion Ranch at age 15 and entered a so-called "spiritual" marriage with Jessop. She became pregnant at age 16.

Defense attorneys argued that prosecutors failed to produce a witness that placed Jessop in Schleicher (SHLYE'-kur) County at the time of the alleged assault — a critical element in the case.

Jurors began deliberations late Thursday afternoon.

If convicted, Jessop could face 20 years in prison.
 
chron.com
Originally published Nov. 5, 2009
 
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