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Jury finds Jeffs guilty
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Tim | 1:31 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
This article has moved me like no other.
Curious | 1:47 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Why can't they charge Jeffs with polygamy since that is what this is all
about? Also, if the 19 year old cousin did rape his 14 year old cousin, why
isn't he being charged for rape?
Dear Curious | 2:22 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Because they're not legal marriages, just a bunch of people living
together. They're "spiritual marriages". It's when the men
become sexual predators on the young women, that illegalities are incurred.
GUILTY GUILTY!
GUILTY GUILTY!
Comments continue below
Curious-er | 2:29 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Why does it take a complaint from within to actually get the authorities to
finally take some action?
Motley | 2:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
He should be locked up forever as well as all the men that have taken child
brides under the belief of polygamy!!!!!
ma`at | 2:33 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Our justice system has a pulse after all . . .
Doug Barber | 2:40 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I have several questions about this case. One: Why does this man face life in
prison when, in Utah, many a murderer serves 15 years and goes free? Two: Why
are the young woman's mother and father not charged?
I fully understand that a charismatic leader can take advantage of underage people who should not be expected to have developed fully formed powers of reason, and a fully formed conscience.
I do not understand why the alleged victim's parents are not having their feet held to the fire, if indeed this is a case that should have been brought in the first place.
Freedom of religion means nothing if it is limited to "freedom to practice those religions likely to win the approval the approval of a jury."
I fully understand that a charismatic leader can take advantage of underage people who should not be expected to have developed fully formed powers of reason, and a fully formed conscience.
I do not understand why the alleged victim's parents are not having their feet held to the fire, if indeed this is a case that should have been brought in the first place.
Freedom of religion means nothing if it is limited to "freedom to practice those religions likely to win the approval the approval of a jury."
Kate | 2:41 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Thank heavens. It's about time this man is put behind bars.
Interesting | 2:43 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I think the defense attorney has a good point. Is this about sex or religion?
Since the prosecutors followed the sex rout why is the ex-husband not charged
and on the stand for Martial rape, and the mother and other family members on
the stand for the same charge as Jeffs. I do not condone what Jeffs did and in
no way agree with his religious views, I just question the way the prosecutors
are trying to reach "justice". Is this just an
�example� case? Or is it about the
�deepest pockets?�(to help the civil
case referenced).
That being said, I'm glad a young girl received relief for what she has suffered.
That being said, I'm glad a young girl received relief for what she has suffered.
Anonymous | 2:44 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Dear Curious:
From what I understand technically they are not performing legal marriages between multiple women and one man. They call it a "spiritual" marriage but don't get the marriage license and all of that, so it is really difficult to prosecute them for polygamy because by law it is just one man sleeping with several women and having lots of kids.
About the 19 year old, he wasn't a big enough fish to fry. He was a tool in the case and in the hands of Jeffs. I'm sure the prosecutors saw that he himself would not have initiated the marriage without Jeff's insistence.
From what I understand technically they are not performing legal marriages between multiple women and one man. They call it a "spiritual" marriage but don't get the marriage license and all of that, so it is really difficult to prosecute them for polygamy because by law it is just one man sleeping with several women and having lots of kids.
About the 19 year old, he wasn't a big enough fish to fry. He was a tool in the case and in the hands of Jeffs. I'm sure the prosecutors saw that he himself would not have initiated the marriage without Jeff's insistence.
Why not the Cousin? | 2:47 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
In my opinion he likely will now be charged. If you read the jury instructions
they had to find that the cousin did in fact rape her. This does not equate to
a conviction of him. He can't serve time based on this court's
finding. They can now charge him, and also in my opinion, they will offer him a
plea bargain. I would imagine that they can use every word he said in the court
here against him. If it is found he was not telling the truth in this court I am
sure they could hold perjury chargers over his head. Great job Washington
County. You knew what you were doing. Called the right witnesses and rested your
case way before we all thought you would. I just wonder if the jury ever saw
pictures of the girl at 14? If not, why not? She was just a little girl.
Also Curious | 2:49 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I was wondering the same thing ... why is Jeffs the only one being charged? In
no way am I defending Jeffs or his actions. I just wonder why the
cousin/husband, as well as the victims parents are not being charged too.
Didn't they play a large role, maybe even as large as Jeffs? Can someone
familiar with the case and legal system please explain to me why? Thank you.
Mort | 3:07 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
How sad that the FLDS community must see their prophet jailed. the
'victim' of all this will
stand before the Judgement Seat of God one day
and explain her actions.
stand before the Judgement Seat of God one day
and explain her actions.
Move On | 3:12 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I think justice has been done, but I fear not much will change now. The way to
remove a religious leader isn't to convict him in the courts of some
infraction somewhat unrelated to his real offense. That just makes him a martyr
and someone else just takes his place.
I think if we gave him some room, Jeffs was ready to denounce his religion all together (which may have cleared things up once-and-for-all and had a real impact for the future). But because we were using our legal system to threaten him and he was facing being put in jail for the rest of his life if he made that statement, of course he was advised by his lawers to not make that statement. And now he can't. It would be suicide.
The way to remove a false-prophet is to shed light on him and let his folowers decide to leave him, not put him in jail on some contrived charge. That just feeds into their fear of outsiders and the government opressing them.
So the zelousness of our prosecutors may have cost us the only real chance we may ever have to resolve this conflict once-and-for-all.
I think if we gave him some room, Jeffs was ready to denounce his religion all together (which may have cleared things up once-and-for-all and had a real impact for the future). But because we were using our legal system to threaten him and he was facing being put in jail for the rest of his life if he made that statement, of course he was advised by his lawers to not make that statement. And now he can't. It would be suicide.
The way to remove a false-prophet is to shed light on him and let his folowers decide to leave him, not put him in jail on some contrived charge. That just feeds into their fear of outsiders and the government opressing them.
So the zelousness of our prosecutors may have cost us the only real chance we may ever have to resolve this conflict once-and-for-all.
Bigotry | 3:13 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
The charges are trumped. This was clearly not rape. They replaced a juror in
the final process to get a conviction when the juror thought he was innocent.
Also the actual husband was not charged so we also no its not rape.
Basically this case demonstrates prejudice against the FLDS. Also 98% of those interviewed are very happy living in their FLDS communities.
Jeffs was frames, that's all there is to it.
Basically this case demonstrates prejudice against the FLDS. Also 98% of those interviewed are very happy living in their FLDS communities.
Jeffs was frames, that's all there is to it.
Legalities | 3:15 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I'm no lawyer but remember Enron and the other corporate scandals? Many
people in the company did illegal things to support the CEO's and other
Executives but they were never charged. Jeff's had a position of authority
over his followers and had to convince husbands and parents to allow the
spiritual marriages of under aged girls. I'm glad that Mark S. and others
went for the top just like what happened with Enron. If a religious leader
forced all of their followers to break the law they may not go over the million
members but they will go after the leader(s). Maybe action will be taken agains
parents and husbands but as far as i'm concerned they took down the force
behind bad decisions.
Frederick of Logan | 3:23 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I have commented before but never got my remarks printed(accepted) Maybe this
time!! Jeffs is not spiritual leader or else he would not have
"forced" Jane Doe into a very undesirable marriage even though he
preaches that is what God desires and calls it a celestial marriage. The God I
know is far different than the God Jeffs knows. God forces no man or woman to
heaven. Jeffs got what he deserves is my opinion but I do feel remorse in this
situation.
Hmm | 3:31 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
How many people who are saying this is a great legal victory would like to see
today's LDS church / leaders prosecuted for something like denying women
the opportunity to join the highest councils in the church because they are
female and cannot hold the priesthood?
Even though this was not prosecuted as a religion issue, it has many overtones of curtailing freedom of religion / religious practices.
With that said I do agree with the verdict because the girl was underage, but I think there are other issues to think about too.
Even though this was not prosecuted as a religion issue, it has many overtones of curtailing freedom of religion / religious practices.
With that said I do agree with the verdict because the girl was underage, but I think there are other issues to think about too.
Rick S | 3:32 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
The parents and cousin could be tried after being formally charged, which they
were not in this trial. The victim would need to cooperate for this to be done
and perhaps she just doesn't have it in her. It seems that this trial has
extracted a high price from her and reliving the whole ugly situation to convict
the others, coupled with the conflicted feelings that she would certainly have,
just may not be personally worth it to her.
Prosecutors are often content to cut the head off the snake and leave the rest of it alone. Then again, now that they have a trial win under their belt on this phase, they may be ready to proceed with a second round of indictments and trials.
I respect other people's right to practice their beliefs, even these polygamists. However, this pedophilia, thinly masked as religiously sanctioned marital sexual activity, has no place anywhere in our society and doubly so for rape. Let adults everywhere realize and understand that these kinds of fixations are wrong and are to be avoided like a plague.
Jeffs abused the position of authority he had in their culture and I'm glad to see the conviction.
Prosecutors are often content to cut the head off the snake and leave the rest of it alone. Then again, now that they have a trial win under their belt on this phase, they may be ready to proceed with a second round of indictments and trials.
I respect other people's right to practice their beliefs, even these polygamists. However, this pedophilia, thinly masked as religiously sanctioned marital sexual activity, has no place anywhere in our society and doubly so for rape. Let adults everywhere realize and understand that these kinds of fixations are wrong and are to be avoided like a plague.
Jeffs abused the position of authority he had in their culture and I'm glad to see the conviction.
sunnystgeorge | 3:33 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
This case is only the beginning of several others. I am sure that the husband
will now be charged, as well as other family members. Jeffs now faces charges
in Arizona, and then by the Federal Government. I do not believe he will ever
see another day outside of a jail or prison.
In Agreement | 4:10 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
"Interesting" my limited knowledge of this case indicates that all
were victims of Jeffs' rule. Perhaps Steed did not want to marry his
cousin either; Jeffs dictated that the marriage was to occur. Perhaps the
parents didn't want it anymore than the couple (other than the stepfather,
evidently). This appeared to have been a marriage absent of agency, dictated by
Warren Jeffs and the FLDS leadership. They decided that the marriage would take
place regardless of opposition, and now I'm relieved to see justice done.
No one should be able to force a 14 year old girl into an unwanted marriage, NO
ONE.
Move on? | 4:11 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
So, Move On, you are arguing that the best way to destroy this particular
polygamist society is to give Jeffs some "room" so he can go and
renounce his religion and tell everyone to go home. I'm sure this was
exactly what he was going to do--but, oops, now they've blown it by putting
him away.
Are you serious? Or are you actually a resident of Hilldale?
Are you serious? Or are you actually a resident of Hilldale?
BC | 4:15 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Quit complaining! Wait a minute and celebrate the conviction of an evil man. If
12 months passes by and no one else is charged then you can complain.
Frank | 4:26 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I'd agree with Rick. In this case my guess is its the girl pushing for
charges against Jeffs so she can exclude or include anyone she wishes. While
its obvious rape occured she doesnt sound like she currently holds a grudge
against her cousin, and may not want her parents in jail either. That would be
her decision. Then again I havent been able to find written out clearly who the
party is that is bringing charges against Jeffs. If the government or state is
pressing charges thats different.
Appealed | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Before we all raise our hands in thanks giving I think it is important to note
that this case is not over.
It we be appealed and there is a good chance it will be remanded and we will go through this all over again.
The instructions given to the Jurors by the judge are highly questionable considering they tried him as an accomplice in a rape that has not been proved.
The Washington county Attorneys office did this backwards, they should have gotten Steed first.
They went for what they thought would be the easiest conviction. Wait and see this thing is sadly not over yet!
It we be appealed and there is a good chance it will be remanded and we will go through this all over again.
The instructions given to the Jurors by the judge are highly questionable considering they tried him as an accomplice in a rape that has not been proved.
The Washington county Attorneys office did this backwards, they should have gotten Steed first.
They went for what they thought would be the easiest conviction. Wait and see this thing is sadly not over yet!
Severn Glance | 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I was initially relieved to hear the verdict. On reflection, however, I still
think justice was served, but I also think it raises some serious questions.
Polygamy has been against the law in Utah since 1890. Have the polygamists not
been provided a formula for avoiding further convictions while continuing to
practice plural marriage? The judge even clarified when sexual intercourse with
a 14 year old was not illegal. It seem they now have a blueprint for avoiding
prosecution and it seems as though polygamy has drawn a major pass of approval
from the government when Jeffs was not charged with breaking that law and
conspiring to have it broken by others. So great, they punish one guy, turn him
into a martyr but let the bigger problem persist. The trial and verdict now seem
more like a charade to mask the real issue.
Amen | 4:53 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Curious- thank you. I completely agree. It seems like this trial also has alot
to do with going after a faith that most of us find weird. Also, if this is
about justice, why is there a fat multi-million dollar law suit attached to the
case? Will healing be better facilitated with a large house and a Mercedes?
Maybe she'll donate it to HOPE. That'd be nice.
Maybe she'll donate it to HOPE. That'd be nice.
Michelle | 4:55 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
One more thing: Does anyone know what the "event" was that caused one
of the jurors to be replaced?
not curious | 5:55 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Why not go after the parents and husband? They were as much victims as the young
bride. The truth of what goes on in the community if you do not follow the
"prophet" is known. You are excommunicated and your family is
reassigned. The brides mother had to go along or she risked losing her children
by being kicked out of the community. The husband had to go along also or he
would have become one of the "lost boys" not being able to see his
family. Can you imagine the threat of losing your children if you did not
follow. That is why they get the girls before they have too much courage. Get
them married and a child on the way and they will stay to protect the child. I
feel as much pain for the husband. Can you imagine having to marry someone who
does not want you around. Marriage is hard enough when you love someone. And
then, they have an affair on you. He was a victim of the system as much as she
was. So much for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They were forced as
much as she was.
why the question | 5:58 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Seems to me the parents and husband were as much victims as was she.
Small Town Paper | 6:00 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Warren Jeffs, one of the only people who probably has both a "council"
and a "counsel".
Unfortunately DesNews doesn't know the difference, since the caption to the photo says "council".
Unfortunately DesNews doesn't know the difference, since the caption to the photo says "council".
not curious | 6:01 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I don't understand why you question the husband and parents not being
charged are they as much victims as she. Did they not stand to lose their
"eternal family" if they did not follow. I feel sorry for them all
that a man would hurt so many in the name of God.
K | 6:26 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Are you kidding me "hmmm"? Lets think about what law is being broken
by not letting women on the highest councils in the church....none...the Real
LDS church does not break any laws....Making cousins marry when the girl is only
14 and not "letting" women have the priesthood or whatever are two
totally different things. Lame comment!
That man is finally getting his just desserts!
That man is finally getting his just desserts!
Molly | 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
To Michelle:
Sounds a little fishy to me.....
Sounds a little fishy to me.....
susan | 6:51 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
this jeffs guy sounds like he's pimpin' for christ - this whole story
makes me want to scrub my eyeballs.
VonVon | 7:09 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I know several people from Hildale. Some following their prophet, some not. I
feel sorry for the whole bunch but I think they ought to be able to see the
problem and get out. If they want to live like that, except the young kids, its
their right, but they should be able to take care of their children without
state & govt help. They are a big drain on the system. How can anyone take
care of and feed 35 kids? Have you ever been to a WICK meeting? Pretty
disgusting. They also shouldn't be telling anyone they are LDS.
Clarification | 7:24 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I heard this issue clarified:
This was about Child Abuse. It is not against the law to marry at fourteen if with parental consent and if wanted by both parties. But this was about force (or perceived force by a child). Child abuse is never ok. The boy wasn't charged and probably won't be because he was brought up this way as well. He felt he "had" to marry when he was told. Also, the above comments about "spiritual marriages" are correct. They aren't legal anywhere, but in their religion. If forced, they are unlawful. Warren Jeffs performed this marriage and would not let it be "undone". This case was not directly about polygamy because there were not any other "marriages" involved. But if anyone remembers Tom Green and his case there were also multiple marriages involved (bigamy). He was convicted and served 7 years.
This ruling may not defer consenting adults, but it will help stop the underage "marriages". And in that I believe that this will help defer it because many of these "marriages" were "expected" by leaders and family at an early age.
This was about Child Abuse. It is not against the law to marry at fourteen if with parental consent and if wanted by both parties. But this was about force (or perceived force by a child). Child abuse is never ok. The boy wasn't charged and probably won't be because he was brought up this way as well. He felt he "had" to marry when he was told. Also, the above comments about "spiritual marriages" are correct. They aren't legal anywhere, but in their religion. If forced, they are unlawful. Warren Jeffs performed this marriage and would not let it be "undone". This case was not directly about polygamy because there were not any other "marriages" involved. But if anyone remembers Tom Green and his case there were also multiple marriages involved (bigamy). He was convicted and served 7 years.
This ruling may not defer consenting adults, but it will help stop the underage "marriages". And in that I believe that this will help defer it because many of these "marriages" were "expected" by leaders and family at an early age.
A Bridge too Far | 7:36 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I am glad those of you that think the cousin, parents and polygamists should all
be charged were not trying this case or on the jury. You would have tried to
grab too much and got nothing. Perhaps this woman would not have testified
against her cousin, family and friends, because they are all interrelated.
There was only one issue and it wasn't religion, it was pedophilia, and no
different than a family friend, who with the permission of the parents uses
their child for child porn. In order to get anything out of this and prevent
Jeffs from being viewed as the victim think pedophilia. Perhaps other families
in this religion will see and understand it for what it is. This is not the
Middle Ages or the Middle East.
Good Thoughts | 7:56 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I think you're right! I hope so.
Divee | 8:25 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Thanks Bridge to far. Pedophilia it is. my friend Flora Jessop escaped this
community when she was 14. Jeffs made her marry her cousin too. She left. They
"caught " her and returned her to her uncle's house. They kept
her in a room in solitary confinement for 3 years and as she tells it,
"Beat satan outta me". She eventually got out and is a child advocate
against abuse. The side of her SUV reads, POLYGAMY IS CHILD ABUSE.com. I asked
her once why she never seemed to smile. She said that as a baby , when she would
cry, her aunt would put her face under the running tap water. "Cause you
can't cry and breathe at the same time" she says.
Women are described by the men as nothing more than farm animals. They make em work in the fields with the kids, make em cook , clean, etc during the day and then make them have sex in the next room where their other "wife "is with the kids. Usually the new sex partner is a "sister" and probably her younger sister. It ain't religion. It's torture. It has to be exposed for what it is.
Women are described by the men as nothing more than farm animals. They make em work in the fields with the kids, make em cook , clean, etc during the day and then make them have sex in the next room where their other "wife "is with the kids. Usually the new sex partner is a "sister" and probably her younger sister. It ain't religion. It's torture. It has to be exposed for what it is.
R Webster | 8:28 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Several People have stated that the step-father, mother and young man were all
victims because they were afraid of losing their families and their status in
their community. So what? They made their choice. They were adults with a
whole lot more power in their lives than that young girl ever had. Any of them
could have left the community, with their dependents, at any time. Would it
have been hard? Yes. So what? Life is full of hard decisions. That
doesn't abrogate them of their responsibility toward those that depend upon
them and to obedience to the law, if not their own consciences. They are every
bit as guilty as Jeffs, because their duty and responsibility was to the child
who was totally dependent upon them.
Tom | 8:29 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I can't believe the good people of Utah waited this long to lock up these
sickos. I am sure there are tons more where this one came from maybe even more
guilty
brooke | 8:33 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
It clear to me that Jeffs was framed. Why are the Prosecutors so happy? They
have used a very corrupt legal system to convict someones religious beliefs
which were ingrained from birth. I believe some Muslums practice polygamy.
Where is the outrage there? What should have happened to Brigham Young?
Didn't he have 27 wives? 14 years old is rather young but old enough to
look at history and see that people for 1000's of years have married that
young.
ED | 8:49 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Give me a break. The "real" Mormon church only gave up polygamy when
the "Church" wanted Utah statehood. But they did not give it up as a
tenant of the religion. I think the "real" Mormons protesteth too
much. The girl's mother, father, and husband are all culpable. But, who
must we prosecute... only the prophet. In Utah, we can only have one prophet,
you know.
R Webster | 9:01 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
To brooke: The children of Hilldale and Colorado city receive very little
education, let alone a course on comparative religion. Their practical world
knowledge is severely restricted in order to control them. Also, while there
are Muslims practicing polygamy throughout the world, they do not legally
practice it in the United States. There are also a lot of Muslims who want you
dead simply for being an American. Does that make it OK? Knowing that they
want you dead, should you off yourself just to save them the trouble? Somehow,
I don't think that is something you want to do.
WAKE UP AND SEE THE ABUSE | 9:08 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
It is about time that Utah is actually doing something about child abuse. This
state is one of the most apathetic and false when it comes to pursuing child
abusers. We should pull together as a cummunity and help those who want to get
out of this life situation. Ex: The lost boys. There are so many women and
children that wish to leave, but there is not really an open network to help
them. We need to put more funding together, more safe houses to help these
kids.
T | 9:14 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
Even though this trial was not supposed to be about polygamy, I'll comment
as such to the above posts. 1) Just because young girls at the age of 14
married for a thousand years, doens't make it okay today. They also used
to hang women (and men) who they thought were "witches." Is that okay
today? 2) I don't know what "should have been done" with Brigham
Young marrying multiple wives, but several early Church leaders were put into
prison for "unlawful cohabitation." George Q. Cannon comes to mind.
Heber J. Gant was charged and fined for breaking the "unlawful
cohabitation" law in 1899 (9 years after the Manifesto), although he was
not sent to jail. I understand that many Mormon Fundamentalists base their
faith on "God does not change, nor do His ways," so they keep living
in plural marriage. But they could at least soften up the rules a little like
the Bluffdale bunch, and not initiate "arranged marriages" and require
all participants of the marriage to be at least 18 years of age.
Sue | 9:14 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I am so glad that finally something like this has happened. Maybe now all those
women and children and be freed from all the abuse that they get. Everything
that these poligamst do and teach there young is against the law. I have always
wonder even as a young person why these people got away with all the abuse and
even murder. I hope that the legal system will not stop but just keep on keeping
on.
As for the parents of the young lady and the cousin I sure they were victoms of Jeffs and I am sure they to will be charged and face there day. The ball has just started to roll. I say let it go and stop all the abuse and fraud. Maybe the gov. could get more mony for health care of schools if they didn't have to take care of all those fraudulant poligs.
Oh and by the way when Brigham Young had all his wives it was not against the law. and He took care of them not the gov.
POLIGAMY NEEDS TO STOP !!! Or THEY NEED TO GO TO THE COUNTRYS THAT ALLOW TERRORISM.
As for the parents of the young lady and the cousin I sure they were victoms of Jeffs and I am sure they to will be charged and face there day. The ball has just started to roll. I say let it go and stop all the abuse and fraud. Maybe the gov. could get more mony for health care of schools if they didn't have to take care of all those fraudulant poligs.
Oh and by the way when Brigham Young had all his wives it was not against the law. and He took care of them not the gov.
POLIGAMY NEEDS TO STOP !!! Or THEY NEED TO GO TO THE COUNTRYS THAT ALLOW TERRORISM.
anonymous | 9:18 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
well i also have a comment to make i think that some of you guys are missing is
that this so called lds church or flds whatever that means is NOT the original
church that was restored in the 1700's there are several differences in the
original they dont believe in "spiritual" marriage one has to have the
liscense and all and then comes the sexual intercourse where as in the reformed
one you dont really get married in the original they abide to mens laws as they
do god this man was just under false pretense and really should be convicted and
i am glad because the mormon religion has enough dirt on them because of all the
reformed churches that still carry the name seriously i am glad in one way
because raping an innocent child come on man andshe was what 14 right? well im
14 that sucks!
Anonymous | 9:35 p.m. Sept. 25, 2007
I'm glad that Warren Jeffs was found guilty. I'm disappointed that
Elissa's mother and her husband were not also prosecuted. Her husband
because he performed the rape and her mother because Elissa's own words
were that if her mother had been against the marriage, she would not have gone
through with it. Elissa stated that she trusted her mother. Her mother implored
Elissa to go through with the marriage for the safety of her soul. I don't
see a bit of difference between the counsel Warren Jeffs gave Elissa and the
counsel her mother gave. Both of them therefore should have been prosecuted and
found guilty, not just Warren Jeffs.
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