Jury selection begins in trial of polygamist leader Warren Jeffs
(CBS/KOSA/AP) SAN ANGELO - Jury selection began Monday in the case of Warren Jeffs, the ecclesiastical head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, an offshoot of mainstream Mormonism that believes polygamy brings exaltation in heaven.
The 55-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting two girls, one younger than 17 and one younger than 14. The charges against him include aggravated sexual assault of a child, which is punishable by up to 99 years to life in prison.
According to CBS affiliate KOSA, about 280 potential jurors showed up, but around 60 were released because of scheduling conflicts and other routine issues. Those remaining filled out a form with 17 questions. It did not mention Jeffs' church but asked potential jurors to list TV shows they regularly watch and whether they or a close relative had been the victim of a sexual crime.
The proceedings only got started, however, after District Judge Barbara Walther rejected a request for a three-month delay from Jeffs' latest attorney, Deric Walpole. He said he had spent 18 to 22 hours a day on the case since being hired last week but it wasn't enough time to prepare. He said it would be a "great injustice" to start the trial Monday.
Jeffs, backed by an FLDS land trust worth more than $110 million, has had seven attorneys appear on his behalf in recent months. Prosecutors say his frequent switching of counsel is a delay tactic.
While stating his case, Walpole gave the first public hint of Jeffs' planned defense, saying "my client's right to practice religion as he sees fit is in jeopardy."
All of Jeffs' attorneys have been tight-lipped about their approach to the case, as have prosecutors.
He faces a separate trial for bigamy in October.