Attorney General: Jurors convict member of Texas polygamist group of child sexual assault

Texas polygamist guilty of child sexual assault

SAN ANGELO, Texas — Prosecutors say a member of a polygamist group whose sprawling West Texas ranch was raided in 2008 has been found guilty of sexual assault of a child.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says a jury convicted 35-year-old Merril Leroy Jessop on Wednesday in San Angelo. Jurors also found he violated Texas laws prohibiting bigamy.

Prosecutors say Jessop tried to delete photos and other documents connecting him to the alleged underage bride.

Jessop is the fourth member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be tried since authorities raided and seized documents from the Yearning For Zion Ranch. The weeklong raid temporarily sent 439 children to foster care.

Jessop faces up to life in prison.