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ST GEORGE - The polygamous-sect leader who was convicted for his role in arranging a 14-year-old follower's marriage to her 19-year-old cousin was sentenced to five years to life in prison.
Warren Jeffs, 51, was convicted of rape as an accomplice for his role in the 2001 marriage.
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 members live in the twin communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona.
Prosecutors said Jeffs enticed Elissa Wall into marriage and sex against her will by telling her the relationship was commanded by God.
Jurors said Wall's 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. Wall, now 21, testified that Jeffs failed to help her when she protested and when she later asked for a divorce because she was uncomfortable having sex with Allen Steed.
But Steed, now 26, said Wall initiated sex and denied that she had cried during their wedding.
Wall was granted an divorce by Jeffs after she became pregnant with another man's child; she left the faith and is married. Steed has been charged with rape.
Weeks after the September 25 verdict, the judge unsealed court documents that disclosed a suicide attempt by Jeffs in jail.
The mainstream Mormon church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renounced polygamy more than a century ago.
- AP
