Sex assault trial starts for member of Texas polygamist group

Local News

March 9, 2010

The Associated Press The San Marcos Record Tue Mar 09, 2010, 03:12 PM CST

San Angelo — Jury selection has started in the West Texas trial of a member of a polygamist group accused of sexual assault of an alleged underage bride.

The San Angelo Standard-Times reports that jury selection began Monday in the San Angelo trial of Merrill Leroy Jessop.

Jessop is the fourth member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be tried for sexual assault of a child since Texas authorities raided the group's ranch in April 2008.

The 35-year-old faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Jessop has also been charged with bigamy but will be tried on that separately.

Prosecutors allege that when authorities raided the Yearning For Zion Ranch, Jessop attempted to delete photos and other documents connecting him to the alleged underage bride in the case.

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