Judge Rules Mormon Cult Leader Can Represent Himself
Posted by Chace Murphy
Friday, July 29th, 2011
SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) _ Polygamous church leader Warren Jeffs is representing himself at his sexual assault trial after dismissing his latest legal team just before his trial was to begin.
Judge Barbara Walther allowed Jeffs to represent himself but refused his request to delay the trial. Instead, she had the jury sworn in, Jeffs arraigned and decided opening arguments would be heard after a lunch recess. Prosecutors had complained Jeffs’ frequent switching of attorneys was a delay tactic.
Jeffs, 55, is accused of sexually assaulting two girls. The charges stem from a 2008 raid on a remote Texas compound that belonged to his sect, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The 10,000-member church believes polygamy brings exaltation in heaven.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Short URL: http://www.wtaw.com/?p=26711
Friday, July 29th, 2011
SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) _ Polygamous church leader Warren Jeffs is representing himself at his sexual assault trial after dismissing his latest legal team just before his trial was to begin.
Judge Barbara Walther allowed Jeffs to represent himself but refused his request to delay the trial. Instead, she had the jury sworn in, Jeffs arraigned and decided opening arguments would be heard after a lunch recess. Prosecutors had complained Jeffs’ frequent switching of attorneys was a delay tactic.
Jeffs, 55, is accused of sexually assaulting two girls. The charges stem from a 2008 raid on a remote Texas compound that belonged to his sect, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The 10,000-member church believes polygamy brings exaltation in heaven.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Short URL: http://www.wtaw.com/?p=26711