Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
KINGMAN, Ariz. (AP) -- Felony charges against one of eight Colorado City polygamists charged with sexual conduct with underage girls have been dismissed.
Terry Darger Barlow, 25, was charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. His trial was set to begin Nov. 14.
Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith dismissed the charges against Barlow because defense attorney Bruce Griffen could prove that Barlow and the victim were not living in Arizona at the time of the alleged crimes.
Also on Monday, the trial for Vergel Bryce Jessop, 46, charged with one count of sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor was postponed until Dec. 5. His trial was to begin next week.
Kelly Fischer, 39, was the first co-defendant to be tried and convicted of one count of sexual conduct with a minor and one count of conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor.
Fischer was sentenced to probation and 45 days in county jail. He has until Monday to report to county jail.
Jessop, Fischer and Barlow are members of a controversial polygamist sect in Colorado City.
Of the other five polygamists charged, one was convicted, one was acquitted, one awaits a bench trial and two others have had their trials postponed.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
