| 9 Jeffs followers get subpoenas | |
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By Ben Winslow Deseret Morning News | |
ST. GEORGE — Elissa Wall strode out of the Washington County Attorney's Office, smiling to herself. As she was escorted by her attorneys into a waiting vehicle, the former child bride declined to comment to a Deseret Morning News reporter on Fundamentalist LDS Church leader Warren Jeffs' sentencing. Meanwhile, her multimillion dollar civil lawsuit against Jeffs and the FLDS Church is taking a new twist. Just before he was sentenced on Tuesday, Washington County sheriff's deputies served subpoenas on some of Jeffs' most loyal followers who showed up to lend their support to the FLDS leader. "We did it as a matter of efficiency," said Roger Hoole, one of Wall's attorneys. The subpoenas are seeking depositions in Wall's personal injury lawsuit, which stems from her marriage at age 14 to her 19-year-old cousin. Wall was the prosecution's star witness in the rape as an accomplice case against Jeffs. It was her compelling testimony that led to his conviction. She sued the FLDS leader over the marriage, and defense attorneys pointed out during the criminal trial that Wall hired lawyers before she ever met with police to report a rape. Her lawyers have denied accusations that she is strictly out for money. Nine people were served with the subpoenas. They include former Hildale police officer Rodney Holm, who was convicted of bigamy and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Hoole declined to say why their depositions would be sought. "I'm not going to discuss my case strategy, other than to say it was a matter of efficiency and convenience," he said. The FLDS faithful who attended Jeffs' sentencing refused to say anything as they left the courthouse, rushing past news reporters and cameras. The nine who were served subpoenas were not pleased to get the court papers, said a private investigator hired by the lawyers suing Jeffs and the FLDS Church. "They didn't look like they were very happy," said Sam Brower. E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com | |
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deseretnews.com Originally published Wednesday, November 21, 2007 | |
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