First Degree Felony Rape Charge Dropped
Allen Steed testified in the trial of Warren Jeffs that he had sex with his underaged bride. He was originally charged with first degree felony rape, but this week he plead guilty to solemnizing a prohibited marriage. He also has a charge for unlawful sex with a minor (statutory rape), a third degree felony, but that charge may be dropped if he successfully completes probation. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and placed on probation for 36 months. If his statutory rape charge is dropped to a misdemeanor he will not have to register as a sex offender.
Warren Jeffs In Texas Jail
Warren Jeffs, who was the prophert of the FLDS church, was reported to have forced Steed’s child bride into having sexual relations with Steed. She was only 14 at the time. Jeffs was tried and convicted of being an accessory to rape in 2007 but that conviction was overturned on appeal. He is currently in a Texas jail awaiting trial for crimes such as bigamy and sexual abuse of a child.
Statutory Rape Prosecutions on the Rise in Utah County
It is not just polygamists and bigamists who are being charged with statutory rape. In Utah County such charges are being brought on an increasing level in the Hispanic community in Utah County and in the Provo District Court. Cultures from Mexico and Central and South America typically do not have statutory rape laws because it is generally accepted for women to have sexual relationships with older men at an early age. Here, sex with a 14 or 15 year old is strictly prohibited, but in many Hispanic cultures 14 and 15 year olds very often have sexual relationships. The Hispanic community in Utah County is finding that this part of their culture is not accepted by the Utah County Attorneys office, which is resulting in many young men being convicted of statutory rape which often leads to deportation.
Salcido Law Firm Can Help With Statutory Rape Charges
Statutory rape charges are very difficult cases because it is based on strict liability. If you have been charged with statutory rape, contact the law firm of Salcido Law Firm at 801.618.1334. Our criminal defense attorney are ready to help you.
