Testimony Begins in FLDS Member's Trial
 
Reported by: Laura Kellerman
KLST-TV
 
Raymond Jessop

The prosecution began presenting evidence at 9 a.m. Thursday in the trial Raymond Jessop (pictured), the first man from the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Eldorado to go on trial.

Jessop is charged with sexual assault of a child. Texas' deputy attorney general Eric Nichols claims Jessop married a 16-year-old girl five years ago, who then gave birth to a child.

Opening statements began late Wednesday afternoon, after two and a half days of jury selection. Some residents of the YFZ Ranch were part of the 150-person jury pool, and were quickly dismissed.

During opening arguments, Jessop's defense attorney set out to make it clear to the jury that it sould be an evidence-based case.

We don't try people for their hair, their clothing, or their religion, Mark Stevens said. Stevens is a noted defense attorney from San Antonio.

The jury in this case will not be sequestered, which is often what happens during such high-profile trials.

The case is being tried in Schleicher County. The county's courthouse is too small for such a trial, so it will take place in a next-door municipal building.

Jessop faces up to 20 years in prison.
 
bigcountryhomepage.com
Originally published Thursday, Oct 29, 2009
 
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