Criminal Justice
Jeffs Prison Sentence: Five-to-Life x 2
Posted Nov 20, 2007, 04:32 pm CST
By Martha Neil
The controversial leader of a fringe Mormon sect in Utah that advocates polygamy was sentenced today to two consecutive terms of five years to life, following his conviction earlier this year for accomplice rape.
That means that Warren Jeffs, 51,will have to serve at least 10 years before he is released, according to CNN. Exactly how much time he must serve will be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
Jeffs was also fined $18,500 on each count, the news service reports.
As discussed in earlier ABAJournal.com posts, Jeffs was convicted in September of using his influence as a religious leader to pressure a 14-year-old into an unwanted marriage with her 19-year-old cousin. While the case against Jeffs did not directly address the church's endorsement of plural marriage, it was seen as driven, in part, by this controversial practice.
He now faces potential prosecution in similar cases elsewhere.
Associated Press: "Polygamist Leader Gets 5 Years to Life"
Desert Morning News: "Jeffs sentenced to 2 terms of five years to life in prison"
ABA Journal: "Violation or Salvation?"
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