Prosecution set to rest case against Warren Jeffs

By Will Weissert

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Aug. 3 2011 1:32 a.m. MDT

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Special Prosecutor Eric Nichols, left, arrives at the Tom Green County Courthouse Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011 in San Angelo, Texas. Nichols said that the prosecution could rest today in the case against Warren Jeffs, leader of the polygamy-sanctioning Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jeffs faces two counts of sexual assault of a child. The 55-year-old Jeffs claims his rights to religious freedom are being trampled. He is defending himself but gave no opening statement, hasn't cross-examined any state witnesses and isn't expected to call witnesses in his defense.

The San Angelo Standard-Times, Patrick Dove, Associated Press

Summary

Texas prosecutors are done calling witnesses in the trial of a polygamist leader accused of sexually assaulting two girls he took as brides during so-called "spiritual marriages."

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Texas prosecutors are done calling witnesses in the trial of a polygamist leader accused of sexually assaulting two girls he took as brides during so-called "spiritual marriages."

Prosecutors are expected Wednesday to rest their case against Warren Jeffs. The 55-year-old leads the Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which believes polygamy brings exaltation in heaven. Followers consider Jeffs a profit.

On Tuesday, audio recordings seized by police were played that show Jeffs instructing a 14-year-old girl how to please him sexually. Prosecutors say Jeffs assaulted her when she was 15 and fathered her child.

Prosecutors have promised to play a tape of Jeffs having sex with the other alleged victim. She was 12.

Jeffs is representing himself and claims God will seek revenge if the trial continues.

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