Ex-husband charged in polygamy rape case

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Allen G. Steed, the ex-husband of the woman at the center of a Utah polygamy trial, has been charged with one count of rape.

The charges Wednesday came just one day after polygamous sect leader Warren S. Jeffs was convicted of the same crime, The Salt Lake Tribune said Thursday.

Attorney Jim Bradshaw said Steed will "vigorously contest" the charge, alleging prosecutors are punishing Steed for testifying on behalf of the sect leader.

Jeffs was convicted on two counts of being an accomplice to rape for conducting the marriage between Steed and Elissa Wall, and counseling Wall to stay in the marriage against her will. She was 14 and Steed was 19 at the time of the marriage.