BishopAccountability.org
	Warren Jeffs Rests His Case CNN August 4, 2011 http://insession.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/04/warren-jeffs-rests-his-case/ With less than an hour of arguments today from Warren Jeffs, the polygamist sect leader on trial for sexual assault silently rested his case. This comes after a bizarre day of testimony yesterday. Day 5 of the TX v Warren Jeffs trial began with Warren Jeffs, asking for what he calls Constitutional protection based upon his belief that he represents a religious organization. His request was immediately denied. During testimony, the prosecution established how Warren Jeffs married a 12-year-old girl who is the daughter of one of his followers. The child was watched over by Jeffs most of her life. Public records show the jury learned that Jeffs was involved in assigning jobs for the Jessop family and was the principle at Alta Academy, the FLDS school the girl attended. The prosecution’s most damning evidence against Jeffs is an audio recording of Jeffs allegedly having sex with the child. That recording was played in court yesterday. On it, Jeffs can be heard saying the child’s full name, leaving no doubt as to who is in the room with him. As the tape was played, jurors also heard heavy breathing and talking, including Jeffs asking, "Does it feel good?" and a child’s voice responding "Yes, thank you." The prosecution also claims that three of Jeffs other so-called “celestial wives” were present when the recording was made. The recording ended with Jeffs saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen," and the child repeating, "Amen." While listening to the tape, several jurors held their heads in their hands, some covered their mouths. One woman could be seen wiping away her tears with tissue. The state rested its case after playing the explosive audio. Jeffs then began his defense with a 30-minute sermon, used as an opening statement. After that, Jeffs called his first and only witness, J.D. Roundy, to the stand. Roundy is a member of the FLDS and was present each day for the trial. Jeffs questioned Roundy for four hours, which basically amounted to Jeffs having his witness explainthe tenets of their faith, in an attempt to establish his claim for religious freedom. On cross examination, prosecutor Eric Nichols asked Roundy a series of questions meant to discredit Jeffs' assertions that his actions were based on his beliefs. "Have you ever instructed girls how to prepare themselves to have sex with you?" Nichols asked Roundy. "No." "Have you ever engaged in sexual relations with a 15 year old?" "No." "Have you ever had sexual relations with a 12 year old?" "No." After a brief re-direct questioning of Roundy that spanned the end of yesterday’s proceedings and the early part this morning, Jeffs was told to call his next witness. He refused to say anything and the judge then rested the case for him. Right now, both sides are getting 30 minutes for closing arguments. After that, the judge will give the jurors instructions and they will decide whether Warren Jeffs is guilty of sexual assault. -Keith Lovely Jr., In Session Associate Producer -Jim Kyle, In Session Field Producer
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