Polygamist leader loses motion on judge

SAN ANGELO, Texas, July 19 (UPI) -- Lawyers for polygamist leader Warren Jeffs lost another bid Tuesday to remove the judge set to preside over his Texas trial.

A visiting judge, District Judge John Hyde of Midland, ruled, for the second time, that 51st District Judge Barbara Walther should stay on the case, the San Angelo Times reported. Hyde heard testimony from six witnesses Monday on whether Walther was prejudiced against the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or feels threatened by its members.

Walther has been involved with cases against church members since she signed search warrants for a raid on the Yearning for Zion Ranch. Emily Detoto, a Houston lawyer representing Jeffs, suggested Monday the judge is wearing "two hats," as a judge and possible victim of church threats.

Jeffs is scheduled to go on trial next week for sexual assault on a child. The charges involve allegedly forcing underage girls into polygamous marriages with older men. Hyde had already turned down one defense motion to remove Walther from the case.