From Deseret News archives:

Ex-child bride writing tell-all

'Stolen Innocence' is expected in April; will cover Jeffs saga

Published: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008 12:37 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
The former child bride who helped convict polygamist leader Warren Jeffs has written a book about her life.

Elissa Wall's book, tentatively titled "Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Triumphing over Warren Jeffs," is scheduled to be published in April by William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins Publishers. Pre-order sales for the 288-page book have already showed up on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble's Web site.

"It's going to be a great book," Wall's attorney, Roger Hoole, told the Deseret Morning News Monday. "She's never told her story. She's only told little pieces of it."

Hoole declined to disclose the terms of Wall's publishing contract and said the book was still in progress. Representatives for the publishing company did not return a call seeking comment.

"She hopes it will help a lot of people," Hoole said. "It's her chance to fully tell her story."

Story continues below
Wall, 22, was the prosecution's star witness in the Washington County criminal case against the Fundamentalist LDS Church leader. She testified that at age 14, she was forced into a marriage with her 19-year-old cousin. It was Wall's emotional testimony that led to Jeffs' conviction on two counts of rape as an accomplice. He is accused of performing that marriage at a Caliente, Nev., motel room in 2002.

Jeffs, 52, is serving two 5-years-to-life sentences in the Utah State Prison. He has resigned as president of the FLDS Church, but it is unclear if he still remains the religious authority. His attorneys have filed a motion for a new trial that is scheduled to be heard April 24.

Jeffs is facing more criminal charges in Arizona, one of which Wall is involved with. She has also filed a civil lawsuit against Jeffs, the FLDS Church and its real estate holdings arm, the United Effort Plan Trust.


E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com

Recent comments

I am so impressed with this girl, she has showed so much courage to...

bambam | Jan. 29, 2008 at 10:48 p.m.

I am eager to read this book.

I am so glad that so many of...

Gretchen | Jan. 29, 2008 at 2:13 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

She's a babe alright. Don't see her posing for any of those girly magazines.

Good for them. Let's support their efforts and respectfully make our voices...

This man didn't even show up to his own 9/12 rallies. Beck is a fool...

Utah Utes whip SDSU

I have to say the rivalry game looks pretty good for next Saturday. Utah may...

Hatch, Bennett oppose health bill

It's good to see Bennett's/Hatch's true colors regarding health care in...

5A: Miners dig deep, claim crown

I have watched the game a couple of times now and can not find two of the...

They play Sunday night not tonight.

If you do not want gay marriage in temple, that is fine. However then,...

Broncos make Aggies pay

Respect your opponent. If you say he's inferior, and he beats you, what does...

Women athletes will never be on a par with men until they knife, pistol-whip,...

Advertisements