The state of Texas is trying to seize ownership of Warren …
The FLDS Yearning for Zion Ranch, as seen from the air in San Angelo, Texas (KXAN)
A Texas appeals court has upheld the child sex abuse conviction…
A Midland County jury sentenced Wendell Loy Nielsen on Friday, …
Advertisement
Ex-FLDS leader rescinds guilty plea
Will stand trial on bigamy charges
Updated: Monday, 28 Nov 2011, 5:31 PM CST
Published : Monday, 28 Nov 2011, 5:31 PM CST
SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) — A former lieutenant to polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs has renounced his plea deal and decided to stand trial on three counts of bigamy.
Wendell Loy Nielsen on Monday opted to face possible prison time instead of 10 years probation. Attorneys for the 71-year-old told a judge that Nielsen objected to requirements that he stay away from playgrounds and not have contact with people under the age of 17.
Nielsen is the former president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The San Angelo Standard-Times reported that Nielsen's trial was set for January. He faces up to 30 years in prison.
State District Judge Barbara Walther gave Nielsen more than 20 minutes to think about the possibility of a prison sentence before accepting his request.
Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users or are offensive in nature may be removed. KXAN is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."
Email This
Print This
View Story on a Single PageAdvertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement