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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A Utah couple accused of forcing an 11-year-old girl into a polygamous relationship with her stepfather is fighting extradition to Arizona.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office charged Stanley Ernest Rimer and Janice Rimer, both of Orem, with one count each of molestation of a child and two counts each of sexual conduct with a minor.
The alleged victim was Janice Rimer's daughter, who prosecutors said was forced to marry Stanley Rimer, 71, in an unofficial ceremony when she was 11.
The alleged victim lived with her mother and stepfather in Phoenix, Peoria and Sunrise when the abuse is said to have occurred.
Prosecutors said Janice Rimer, 52, encouraged the ceremony and was charged because she aided and abetted the unlawful sexual conduct.
Because the two are being held in Utah and fighting extradition, the state of Arizona must issue a governor's warrant, according to the Utah County Attorney's Office. A hearing is scheduled for April 26 in 4th District Court.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office says it could be three months before the Rimers appear in an Arizona courtroom.
Phoenix police said the girl, now a 21-year-old college student, came forward with the allegations of abuse in December.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
