Trials set for polygamists charged with sex crimes
 
By Jim Seckler
Mohave Daily News
 
KINGMAN - The fourth trial involving one of eight Colorado City polygamists accused of having sexual relations with underage girls will begin Monday in Mohave County Superior Court.

The trial of David Romaine Bateman, 49, charged with sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor, will begin Monday before Judge James Chavez.

Bateman is charged with having sexual relations with an underage girl who then gave birth to his child. The alleged crime occurred in 2001 or early 2002.

Seven other codefendants, who belong to a controversial polygamist sect in Colorado City, are all represented by Flagstaff attorney Bruce Griffen.

Dale Evans Barlow's trial will begin on Halloween before Judge Steven Conn. Barlow, 48, is charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor and one count of conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.

Vergel Bryce Jessop, 46, is charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. Jessop's trial is expected to begin Nov. 7 also before Conn.

Terry Darger Barlow's trial is set to begin Nov. 14 before Conn. Barlow, 25, is charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.

Kelly Fischer, 39, was the first codefendant to be tried and convicted of one count of sexual conduct with a minor and one count of conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.

Fischer was sentenced two months ago to 45 days in county jail and probation.

Last month, a Mohave County jury acquitted Donald Robert Barlow, 50, of one count of sexual conduct with a minor.

Randolph Barlow’s trial was postponed when the victim refused to testify. Barlow, 33, is charged with two counts of sexual conduct with a minor. Charges of two counts of sexual assault were recently dismissed.

Rodney Holm, 40, a former Colorado City police officer, is charged with three counts of sexual conduct with a minor. His trial, set to begin this week, was also postponed.

No trial dates have been set for Holm or Randy Barlow, whose cases will also be heard before Conn.

Warren Jeffs, the leader of the polygamist sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Colorado City faces rape charges in Utah.

Jeffs is also charged in Mohave County with five counts of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.
 
MohaveDailyNews.com
Originally published Tuesday, October 17, 2006
 
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