Warren Jeffs Sexual Assault Trial
Warren Jeffs is the current president of the Fundamentalists Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He is the son of Rulon Jeffs who was the leader of the church before he passed away in 2002. After Jeffs father passed away, he proceeded to marry all but two of his father's 19 to 20 wives. This helped solidify his power within the community. He continued to marry more women many of who were closely related to him. He claims that he is a descendant from Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith which would make him the prophet. He teaches that his marriages are necessary to preserve the sacred bloodlines. Jeffs is said to have at least seventy wives.
The teachings strongly suggest that polygamy is the key to exaltation in heaven. The teachings also emphasize that women must be obedient to their husbands and serve them "mind, body and soul" to achieve salvation in the afterlife. Jeffs is the only person in the church who can perform marriages and is responsible for assigning wives to husbands. He was also responsible for disciplining disobedient male followers by assigning their wives to another husband.
Jeffs is charged with sexual assault on a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual misconduct with a minor for allegedly arranging a marriage between a 14 year old girl and her 19 year old first cousin. Jeffs was also put on the FBI's most wanted list, offering $60,000 for information leading to his arrest. He was also featured on America's Most Wanted. His charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. The prosecution told jurors that they have an audio tape of a sexual encounter between Jeffs, who is 55, and a 12-year-old girl. The prosecution also has evidence that Jeffs impregnated a 15-year-old girl.
Jeffs' trial has been going on for about a week, and he has objected or interrupted over 25 times. Jeffs has dismissed every criminal defense lawyer so far, therefore he is representing himself. Jeffs has fired all of his attorneys because, according to him, they could not present a "pure defense." According to reports, every time Jeffs has an objection was an opportunity for him to give a sermon. Since this trial has been delayed so many times due to Jeffs firing seven criminal defense lawyers in six months, the judge told him that "the court is not going to recess these proceedings to let you go to law school."
Jeffs would probably display his side of this case if he had a good criminal defense attorney to back him up. The stakes are very high for Jeffs in this case, and his decision to represent himself may not go as he planned.
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, call one of the federal criminal lawyers at The Mace Firm for a free consultation.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a federal crime please call one of our good criminal lawyers. Our Charleston criminal lawyers are here to help you and your family in your time of need. Please call The Mace Firm to schedule a free consultation with a South Carolina criminal lawyer.
