The testimony of Elissa Wall helped convict polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs of being an accomplice to rape. In 2001, Jeffs performed a marriage between then 14-year-old Elissa Wall and her 19-year-old first cousin, Allen Steed. Jeffs performed the marriage despite Wall's protestations and with the knowledge that it would lead to non-consensual sex.
Second Rape Charge
The day following Warren Jeffs' conviction, Elissa Wall's ex-husband, Allen Steed, was arrested for rape. The charge was based on Wall's testimony that Steed forced her to have sex with him. Steed also testified during the trial, but waived his right against self-incrimination upon taking the stand. Steed maintains that sex between him and his former wife was consensual.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Jeffs was convicted on September 25, 2007
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Fact:
Former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
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Fact:
Divorced Allen Steed in 2004
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Fact:
Remarried with two children
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Published her memoir, Stolen Innocence in May of 2008
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Fact:
Filed a civil lawsuit against Jeffs and his church
