| Polygamist Leader Warren Jeffs Gets Maximum Sentence | |
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Edward Lawrence, Reporter KLAS TV Channel 8 - Las Vegas | |
Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs got the maximum sentence under Utah law Tuesday. The 51-yesr-old Jeffs was convicted of two counts of rape as an accomplice in September. The charges stem from his role in arranging the marriage between a then 14-year-old girl and her 19-year-old cousin in 2001. Warren Jeffs will spend at least 10 years in prison. Utah law works a little differently. The judge imposed two five-year to life sentences running consecutively, which is the most the judge could sentence him to serve. At some point after 10 years the Utah Board of Pardons will set a parole hearing. But that does not mean Jeffs will get out. The judge in this case was very clear. Utah District Court Judge James Shumate said, "I know from fact that whatever I do today will not make it better. You live under a life sentence. Your courage in carrying on is laudable. You don't have to do it alone." Judge Shumate asked the victim, Elissa Wall, if she wanted any restitution. Elissa said no. Her restitution would be the maximum sentence under Utah law. That is what the judge did. In addition, Judge Shumate imposed a maximum fine under the law of $37,050. The judge came to the decision weighing heavily the victim's statements in court. Elissa Wall said, "I do not seek restitution, nor would I accept it from him. My restitution is knowing that I spoke the truth and you and the justice system have done your job." The judge ordered the 21-year-old's face not to be shown while in court. However, in September the victim made a statement after the verdict agreeing to use her name and face. Warren Jeffs is now back at the jail. He'll be transferred to a Utah correctional facility. The legal troubles for Warren Jeffs are far from over. He still faces other charges in Arizona as well as federal charges. He will go to trial in Arizona next and then the federal government gets a crack at him. He serves the sentences in that order, if he's convicted in Arizona and federally. In Utah, Jeffs attorneys have filed motions asking for the verdict to be tossed out saying it was based on invalid and circumstantial evidence. Also, Alan Steed, the man the victim in the case was forced to marry is now also facing sexual abuse charges. Prosecutors in Washington County filed a rape charge against Wall's former husband, Allen Steed. His case is pending. After Jeffs was convicted, Jeffs was arrested during an August 2006 traffic stop just outside Las Vegas after being a fugitive for nearly two years. He was on the FBI's 10 most wanted list at the time. E-mail your comments to Reporter Edward Lawrence. | |
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LasVegasNow.com Originally broadcast November 20, 2007 | |
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