News / Politics
Warren Jeffs Ordered to Stand Trial; Polygamist Sect Leader Could Face Life in Prison.
Warren Jeffs, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was ordered to stand trial on two counts of rape as an accomplice. District Judge James Shumate made his decision based upon evidence that supported the charges Jeffs faces.
In 2001 Jeffs presided over the marriage between a 14-year-old girl and her older cousin. Prosecutors in the case contend that Jeffs forced the girl against her will to marry and have sex with the man.
Judge Shumate’s decision cited evidence that the young girl “expressed her disdain, reluctance, opposition and total dislike of sexual relations.”
Jeffs defense attorney, Walter F. Bugden, has argued that while Jeffs presided over the marriage, he never forced the ceremony. Bugden also claims that Jeffs merely urged the girl to accept her appointed husband and explained that she might discover love by having children.
His trial date is set for April 23.
The 51-year-old sect leader is believed to be a prophet by the 10,000 members of the FLDS. They also believe that God speaks directly through him.
It was that type of influence that prosecutors believe Jeffs manipulated to force members into marriages they wouldn’t otherwise choose.
After an appearance on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list Warren Jeffs was arrested at a traffic stop in Las Vegas on August 28.
