Jeffs says God ordered judge to quit

SAN ANGELO, Texas, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Polygamist Warren Jeffs began the sixth day of his trial in San Angelo, Texas, Monday by demanding the judge step down on instructions from God.

Judge Barbara Walther called a recess to have another judge review the recusal motion, Jeffs' third, announced it was denied and resumed the trial, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

In his motion, Jeffs said he received a divine revelation in his cell Sunday, and God said: "I am to now recuse you from this case. ... Now to be of honor and step away from this abuse of power against a religious and pure faith in the Lord; who is now judge of you, through my servant now voicing my will. … I, the Lord, have spoken. Amen."

In an exhibit attached to the motion, the San Angelo Standard-Times reported, Jeffs said he received another revelation last week that stated: "Let also Barbara Walthers (sic) be of a humbling to know I have sent a crippling disease upon her which shall take her life soon. ... She is no longer to be of a respect to peers."

Jeffs, 55, is accused of marrying and sexually assaulting two girls, ages 15 and 12.