09/11/2011

Ex Bishop Convicted In Illegal Wedding Trial

A former bishop could face up to ten years in jail after performing an illegal ceremony that saw his 12-year-old daughter marry polygamist cult leader, Warren Jeffs.

A jury deliberated for just under two hours yesterday before finding ex bishop Fredrick Merril Jessop guilty of performing the illegal wedding between Jeffs and the underage girl in 2006.


Lead prosecutor Angela Goodwin had previously told the jury:"The state will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on July 27, 2006, Fredrick Merril Jessop married a freckled, 12-year-old girl to a 50-year-old man".

Jessop, 75, who is yet to be sentenced, faces between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Jessop’s religious beliefs mean he practices polygamy in arranged marriages (that sometimes involve underage girls). The faith believes polygamy brings exaltation in heaven.

(LB/GK)

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