Until proven guilty
 Both sides give opening statements in Warren Jeffs trial
 
By Patrice St. Germain
patrices@thespectrum.com
 
ST. GEORGE - During the defense team's opening statements, attorney Tara Isaacson said that at the conclusion of the trial, the jury would not only come to realize that Warren Jeffs did not encourage or command John Doe IV to rape his wife, but that a rape didn't take place.

Walking around the 5th District courtroom, Isaacson paused at Jeffs and with a hand on his shoulder, looked at the jury and said, "This man is innocent."

Jeffs, 51, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is on trial on two counts of rape as an accomplice, a first-degree felony.

The charges stem from Jeffs' alleged role in arranging a marriage between a 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old first cousin, which took place on April 17, 2001.

Outlining the case for the 12 jurors on a screen, Isaacson said what the case is about is if Jane Doe IV was really raped, a core question, and if Warren Jeffs encouraged the rape or if he even knew of the rape.

Isaacson also commented on how Jane Doe admitted that she "sugared up" to her husband - consenting to sex when she wanted to do something or needed money.

Jane Doe IV also sought out an attorney before she went to police or to therapy about the alleged rape and has a pending civil lawsuit against Jeffs.

Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap laid out a different picture of the Jane Doe, who is now 21 years of age.

Belnap said when Doe found out she was to be married when she was 14, she went to Jeffs asking him to reconsider because she felt she was too young to marry.

Once she found out that the man she was to marry was her cousin, a person she described in the preliminary hearing as "a bully," she again pleaded with Jeffs.

Several weeks following the marriage, Doe was undressed and forced to have sex with her husband, Belnap said.

"She went to Mr. Jeffs and he told her to repent and go back (to her husband) and give to him mind, body and soul," Belnap said. "As her Priesthood Head, it was her duty to submit to him."

Showing a picture of an unhappy Doe before her wedding day, Belnap then flipped to a photograph of the "honeymoon" room with a heart on the bed and a sign with the couple's name sealed for time and all eternity.

The room, one that Doe shared with her two sisters, was transformed while she was in Caliente, Nev., getting married to her cousin, which Jeffs officiated.

"She left as a child and was expected to move in with her adult cousin," Belnap said.

Doe testified briefly Thursday afternoon before court was adjourned for the day.

Doe said that Jeffs had always been an authority figure in her life.

Growing up, Doe said the teachings of Jeffs on audio tapes were played in school and in her home.

Girls were taught obedience. Girls were instructed to be a mother, keep a home, follow directions and "keep sweet."

During Doe's testimony, several audio tapes of Jeffs' teachings were played.

One talked about how once a girl was given to a man, she belonged to him and she must obey him.

Doe explained that to not follow or obey your husband was a way to lose your salvation and your way into the Celestial Kingdom.

Another tape said that the purpose of plural marriage was for more children.

The trial will resume Friday with Doe again on the witness stand.

Jeffs was flown to the courthouse in a state helicopter and was seen being escorted into the courthouse in a green and white striped prison uniform with a bulletproof vest and in shackles.

Judge James L. Shumate told the jurors that until deliberations begin, none of the jurors will know who will be the eight selected to render a verdict.

Numerous family members of Jeffs were in court Thursday afternoon when opening statements began and all stood when Jeffs was escorted into the courtroom.

Jeffs nodded and smiled at the various family members.

If Jeffs is found guilty, he may face five years to life for each count and still faces similar charges in Arizona and has a federal charge.
 
TheSpectrum.com
Originally published September 14, 2007
 
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