Polygamist leader's tactics slow sex assault trial

[August 04, 2011]  SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP) -- Polygamist church leader Warren Jeffs has dramatically slowed his trial on child sex assault charges, and a church elder who already spent hours testifying is expected back on the stand.

Jeffs gave a surprise opening statement Wednesday, asking jurors to remember his religious freedoms, shortly after Texas prosecutors rested their case.

The 55-year-old leads the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which believes polygamy brings exaltation in heaven. Followers see Jeffs as God's spokesman.

Jeffs is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old and 15-year-old he'd taken as "spiritual wives."

Jeffs is representing himself and had largely remained silent during the trial. But he spent four hours Wednesday asking JD Roundy general questions about the church, often pausing for several minutes. More testimony from Roundy is expected Thursday.

[Associated Press; By WILL WEISSERT]

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