Sentencing phase for polygamist Jeffs to resume

By Paul J. Weber

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, Aug. 6 2011 1:30 a.m. MDT

Warren Jeffs, right, is escorted out of the Tom Green County Courthouse by a law enforcement officer, left, Friday Aug. 5, 2011, in San Angelo, Texas. Jeffs, a polygamist sect leader convicted of child sexual assault walked out of his sentencing hearing in protest Friday, after reading a statement he claimed was from God. The statement promised a "whirlwind of judgment" on the world if God's "humble servant" wasn't set free.

Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

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Summary

Jurors will continue hearing testimony in the sentencing phase for a polygamist sect leader convicted of child sexual assault, but the defendant may not be in court.

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Jurors will continue hearing testimony in the sentencing phase for a polygamist sect leader convicted of child sexual assault, but the defendant may not be in court.

The sentencing phase of Warren Jeffs' trial resumes Saturday. He walked out of the courtroom Friday after delivering what he called a statement from God that promised a "whirlwind of judgment" if he wasn't set free.

The judge has allowed Jeffs to return to court whenever he chooses. His attorney says he doesn't know if Jeffs will attend Saturday.

Jeffs faces up to 119 years in prison after being convicted this week on two counts of sexually assaulting underage followers he had taken as his brides.

Jeffs is the ecclesiastical head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints.

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