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Defense to begin case in polygamy trial
75-year-old ex-polygamist bishop on trial
Updated: Monday, 07 Nov 2011, 9:09 AM CST
Published : Monday, 07 Nov 2011, 9:09 AM CST
ROBERT LEE, Texas (AP) - The defense will begin arguing its case in the trial of a 75-year-old ex-polygamist bishop accused of performing an illegal marriage ceremony.
The defense for Frederick Merrill Jessop plans to call two or three witnesses Monday.
The prosecution rested Thursday after one of Jessop's wives identified him in the courtroom. Much of the prosecution's case rested on documents seized in a 2008 raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch near Eldorado. It is owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Jessop is accused of "sealing" a marriage between church leader Warren Jeffs and a 12-year-old girl. Jeffs is serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting that girl and another 15-year-old girl.
Jeffs excommunicated Jessop sometime after he performed the wedding ceremony.
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