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Testimony resumes in polygamist case
Trial photos show birthing center at ranch
Updated: Monday, 02 Nov 2009, 9:13 PM CST
Published : Monday, 02 Nov 2009, 12:46 PM CST
ELDORADO, Texas (AP) - Testimony has resumed in the first criminal trial stemming from the 2008 raid of a polygamist group's West Texas ranch.
Jurors were sent home Thursday after a child of one juror came down with flu-like symptoms, but on Monday all 12 jurors and two alternates were back in court.
They began hearing from a forensic expert and others in the trial of 38-year-old Raymond Jessop. The member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is on trial for sexual assault of a child. Prosecutors said he impregnated a 16-year-old who was among his nine alleged wives.
Forensic expert Amy Smuts said two sets of genetic tests showed Jessop's genetic markers matched those of the alleged victim's daughter. Jessop, who could face up to 20 years in prison, is the first of a dozen FLDS men to face trial after authorities raided their Yearning For Zion Ranch in Eldorado.
Additionally a Texas Ranger testified that he saw a birthing center set up in a log cabin-style home at a polygamist group's West Texas ranch.
Ranger Bart Bivens was asked by prosecutors to identify 19 photos taken at the birthing center during the weeklong raid at the Eldorado ranch last year.
The photos showed something like a doctor's office with one major difference: a portrait of jailed polygamist group leader Warren Jeffs hung over the delivery bed.
Defense Attorney Mark Stevens said there is no credible evidence the girl was assaulted or gave birth at the ranch.
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