ELDORADO, Texas—Prosecutors have rested their case against the 38-year-old man from a polygamist sect on trial for sexaul assault of a child in West Texas.
Texas Ranger Nick Hanna testified Thursday that Raymond Jessop and the girl were living at the Yearning For Zion Ranch when the girl became pregnant. She was 16 at the time and was allegedly in a so-called “spiritual marriage” with Jessop.
Hanna’s testimony supported the prosecution claim that the abuse happened in Schleicher County, which includes Eldorado and the ranch.
Jessop is the first man from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be tried since Texas authorities raided their ranch in April 2008. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
His attorneys have not indicated plans to call any witnesses.
Jurors could begin deliberating Thursday afternoon.
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