Jeffs found guilty in rape case

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs was convicted of two counts of rape by accessory by a Utah jury Tuesday.

Jeffs, who could be sentenced to life in prison, remained impassive as the verdict was delivered, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Supporters in the courtroom also remained quiet.

Jurors deliberated for about three hours after an alternate replaced a woman who was excused. They began discussing the case late Friday.

Jeffs, who heads the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was on trial for arranging a marriage in 2001 between Elissa Wall, who was 14, and Allen Steed, 19, that resulted in their having sex. Wall testified for the prosecution, saying she was forced into the marriage and unwilling to have sex with Steed. Steed testified for the defense.

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff told the Tribune from the hospital where he is a patient that he believes some of Jeffs' supporters will give up the practice of underage marriage.

Many of the church's members live in twin communities on the Utah-Arizona border. Jeffs faces similar charges in Arizona.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 20.