This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Posted: 4:00 PM- Former teen bride Elissa Wall tearfully reached out to her family after polygamous sect leader Warren S. Jeffs was found guilty of two counts of being an accomplice to rape.
Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was convicted of two counts of rape as accomplice in connection with the marriage he conducted in 2001 between Wall, who was 14, and her cousin Allen Steed, 19.
While two of Wall's sisters testified for the state, her mother and other relatives had been on the defense list of possible witnesses.
"I understand and respect your convictions but I will not give up on you," Wall said, speaking of her mother.
Her statement read in full:
"When I was young my mother taught me that evil flourishes when good men do nothing. This has not been easy. The easy thing would have been to do nothing, But I have followed my heart and spoken the truth. Lamont and I want to convey our love to our families. Mother, I love you and my sisters unconditionally, and will go to the ends of the earth for you. I understand and respect your convictions but I will never give up on you. When you are ready, I am here.
"I have very tender feelings for the FLDS people. There is so much good in them. I pray they will find the strength to step back, re-examine what they have been told to believe and follow their hearts. This trial has not been about religion or a vendetta. It was simply about child abuse and preventing further abuse. I hope that all FLDS girls and women will understand that, no matter what anyone may say, we are created equal.
"You do not have to surrender your rights or your spiritual sovereignty. I know how hard it is, but please stand up and fight for your voice and power of choice, I will continue to fight for you.
"To those who have been there to support and keep Lamont and myself encouraged, words cannot begin to express our gratitude. I hope the FLDS people will feel the same kindness as they make a difficult journey."