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Early Stages of the First Trial of a Polygamist Sect Member Underway

Bryan Rupp

Story Created: Oct 27, 2009 at 9:24 AM CST

Story Updated: Oct 27, 2009 at 10:51 AM CST

Jury selection continues today in the first criminal trial of a member of a polygamist sect raided in West Texas last year.

After a full day of questioning Monday, October 26 roughly 150 potential jurors from Schleicher County are being asked to return today as lawyers seek 12 jurors and two alternates for the trial of 38-year-old Raymond Jessop.

Jessop is the first man from the Yearning For Zion Ranch to go on trial since authorities raided the compound last April.

He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted of sexual assault of a child, a charge stemming from his alleged marriage to an underage girl.

Court documents indicate she gave birth to a daughter at the ranch when she was 16.

Prosecutors claim Jessop has nine wives.

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