[Guest post by DRJ]

Merril Leroy Jessop was found guilty of child sexual assault today by a San Angelo jury. The prosecution focused on the DNA testimony as proof Jessop fathered a child by a 15-year-old FLDS bride. The defense focused on the religious aspects:

“Lead defense attorney Dan Hurley began his closing arguments with a reference to the book “To Kill a Mockingbird,” specifically a time when the main character is told to “walk a mile in their shoes” before judging someone.

Hurley said all the sect members, not just women, were raised to believe that the FLDS prophet is “God’s mouthpiece on earth.”

Hurley noted that, according to documents with cover sheets saying they were “incomplete and unapproved,” Merril Leroy Jessop had been called to marry the alleged victim with half an hour of notice.

“Was he intentionally and knowingly violating the law, or was he following the directive of the prophet?” Hurley asked.”

The jury began deliberations at 11:30 AM and returned its verdict at 12:30 PM. The sentencing phase began this afternoon and will continue tomorrow. Jessop faces the possibility of life in prison.

— DRJ