A judge sentenced the leader of a polygamous sect Tuesday to two consecutive terms of 5 years to life in prison for his role in the arranged marriage of teenage cousins.
Warren Jeffs, 51, was convicted of two counts of rape as an accomplice for his role in the marriage of a 14-year-old follower and her 19-year-old cousin in 2001. The Utah parole board will decide how long he actually stays behind bars.
Jeffs is head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose members practice polygamy in arranged marriages that have often involved placing girls with older men. Most members live in the twin communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz., about 350 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.
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Items compiled from Tribune news services.
