Polygamist sect member convicted of sex assault

Polygamist sect member convicted of sex assault


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ELDORADO, Texas (AP) -- A 57-year-old member of a polygamist group raided by Texas authorities last year has been convicted of sexual assault of a child.

A Schleicher County jury in the West Texas town of Eldorado deliberated less than two hours Tuesday before convicting Allan Keate. He faces up to life in prison for his alleged so-called "spiritual marriage" to a 15-year-old girl who gave birth at age 16.

Keate was immediately taken into custody. The jury will hear more testimony before deciding his sentence.

Much of the prosecution's case relied on extensive church records seized from the Yearning For Zion Ranch in April 2008. One set of records indicated Keate had six wives, ranging in age from 17 to 49, in March 2007.

Keate is the second member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be convicted of sexual assault of a child in Texas.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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