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SAN ANGELO, Texas — The trial for polygamist leader Warren Jeffs is under way in Texas, where is he is accused of having sex with two teenage girls.
Unlike the Utah case, where Jeffs was tried on charges that he was an accomplice to rape for performing an underage marriage, the Texas case accuses him of committing the sexual assault himself. One of the alleged victims was 14 at the time, the other just 12 years old.
Unlike the Utah case, where Jeffs was tried on charges that he was an accomplice to rape for performing an underage marriage, the Texas case accuses him of committing the sexual assault himself.
Warren Jeffs arrived to the courthouse wearing a business suit, and without the handcuffs and shackles he is typically seen in. Texas Rangers escorted him inside to help in his own defense.
Outside, more than 100 prospective jurors lined up on the courthouse steps.
The leader of the polygamist sect is being prosecuted by the Texas Attorney General's Office. The attorney general himself, Greg Abbott, was in the courtroom Monday. He insists Jeffs is being prosecuted like any suspected criminal.
"The only thing different is that Warren Jeffs is trying to delay this," Abbot said.
Jury selection was the main goal of Monday's proceedings. The process got under way, but not before the newest attorney representing Jeffs asked the judge to postpone the trial, telling her that beginning Monday could result in a great injustice.
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Before there was the SWAT team raid, the 439 children seized from mothers in frontier- style dresses and 19th century hairdos, and tales of underage sex and bigamy -- there was a man from Utah with blood in the back of his pickup.District Judge Barbara Walther, who appears to run a strict courtroom, rejected the request and brought in nearly 300 potential jurors, roughly 60 of whom were released because of scheduling conflicts and other routine issues.
The remaining potential jurors filled out a form with 17 questions. It did not mention Jeffs' church but asked potential jurors to list TV shows they regularly watch and whether they or a close relative had been the victim of a sexual crime.
The FLDS presence in the region has received a lot of press coverage in recent years, which is why so many potential jurors are being screened in an effort to ensure a fair trial.
"That is something that has and will be raised to the judge," Abbot said. "We know we have a judge who dots the "I's" and crosses the "T's" when it comes to the law, and we will leave it to her to make that decision."
The evidence against Jeffs was collected during a 2008 raid at the FLDS compound near Eldorado, Texas — about 45 miles south of San Angelo.
Jeffs was indicted on charges involving sexual assault involving two teenage girls, who he allegedly was spiritually married to. One of the girls was younger than 14.
While the phone call that prompted the raid turned out to be a hoax, it has resulted in seven FLDS men being prosecuted; all of whom have been convicted and sent to prison.
The FLDS compound where Jeffs' crimes allegedly took place is in a remote area — a county that has just 3,500 residents — which is why the trial was moved to San Angelo.
Wednesday morning, the remaining potential jurors — 207 of them — will return to court as the judge continues the process to find the 12 who will decide Jeffs' fate.
The trial itself is expected to last nearly a month.
Written by Sam Penrod with contributions from The Associated Press.
