Former FLDS official’s trial starts in Texas

The Associated Press

First Published Mar 22 2012 12:17 pm • Last Updated Mar 24 2012 11:41 pm

Midland, Texas • Prosecutors are accusing a former lieutenant to polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs of illegally marrying at least three women in addition to his legal wife.

Wendell Loy Nielsen’s trial on three counts of bigamy began with opening arguments Thursday in West Texas.

Nielsen was one of 12 members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who were indicted after a 2008 raid on their West Texas compound.

The San Angelo Standard-Times reported that jurors have seen photos of the compound, which included a temple, a school and a guard tower.

Nielsen faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

FLDS teachings hold that polygamy brings exaltation in heaven.

The mainstream Mormon church abandoned the practice of taking multiple wives more than a century ago.

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