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ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- A state court judge has heard dismissal arguments in a rape case involving a man whose 2001 spiritual marriage was the basis for the Utah criminal trial of polygamous church leader Warren Jeffs.
Washington County prosecutors charged Allen Steed with one count of rape in September 2007 -- the day after Jeffs was convicted of two counts of rape as an accomplice for his role in Steed's marriage to 14-year-old Elissa Wall.
The marriage was arranged by leaders of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The couple divorced in 2004.
Steed's attorneys say the charges were filed after the statute of limitations expired.
Prosecutors contend that changes to Utah law in 2005 allow them up to eight years to file charges.
Fifth District Judge G. Rand Beacham said Friday he will issue a written ruling in the case.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
