Fundamentalist church of Jesus Christ forced incestual teenage marriage

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Judge Sentences Polygamous-Sect Leader
Associated Press
November 20, 2007 6:13 p.m.

ST. GEORGE, Utah -- A judge on Tuesday sentenced a polygamous-sect
leader to five years to life in prison for his role in the arranged
marriage of teenage cousins.

Warren Jeffs, 51, was convicted of rape as an accomplice for his role
in the marriage of a 14-year-old follower and her 19-year-old cousin
in 2001. The sentences are to be served consecutively. It will be up
to the Utah parole board to decide just how long he stays behind bars.

Mr. Jeffs is head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, whose members practice polygamy in arranged
marriages that have often involved placing young girls with older men.
Most FLDS members live in the twin communities of Hildale, Utah, and
Colorado City, Ariz., about 350 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

Jurors said age was a major factor in their decision. Under Utah law,
a 14-year-old can consent to sex in some circumstances. But it is not
considered consensual if a person under 18 is enticed by someone at
least three years older.

Mr. Jeffs faces similar criminal charges in Arizona.

The mainstream Mormon church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, renounced polygamy more than a century ago, excommunicates
members who engage in the practice and disavows any connection with
the FLDS church.

Copyright © 2007 Associated Press