Official: FLDS polygamist convicted

San ANGELO (AP/KXAN) - The Texas Attorney General's Office says a member of a polygamist group has been convicted of sexual assault of an alleged underage bride.

Attorney general spokesman Jerry Strickland says Merrill LeroyJessop was found guilty Wednesday of sexual assault of a child by a jury in the West Texas city of San Angelo.

"Merril Leroy Jessop of Eldorado was today found guilty of sexually assaulting a child. The jury has also found that the defendant violated Texas laws that prohibit bigamy. With today's guilty verdict, Jessop's trial proceeds to the penalty phase, so at this time a punishment has not been rendered by the court," Attorney General Greg Abbott. "A total of 12 YFZ Ranch-related suspects have been indicted for sexual assault of a child, bigamy or other charges. Eight additional suspects are awaiting trial."

The 35-year-old Jessop was 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 two years ago.

Jessop faces up to life in prison. Strickland says the sentencing phase of his trial was to begin Wednesday afternoon.

Prosecutors alleged that Jessop attempted to delete photos and other documents connecting him to the alleged underage bride.