KXXV-TV News Channel 25 - Central Texas News and Weather for Waco, Temple, Killeen | Trial photos show birthing center at ranch
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Associated Press - November 2, 2009 8:25 PM ET
ELDORADO, Texas (AP) - A birthing center was set up in a log cabin-style home at a polygamist group's West Texas ranch. That's according to a Texas Ranger who testified in the trial of a polygamist group man accused of sexual assault of a child.
Ranger Bart Bivens was asked by prosecutors to identify 19 photos taken at the birthing center during the weeklong raid at the Yearning For Zion Ranch in Eldorado last year. The photos showed something like a doctor's office with one major difference: a portrait of jailed polygamist group leader Warren Jeffs hung over the delivery bed.
The photos and testimony came Monday in the trial of 38-year-old Raymond Jessop. Jessop faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the charge stemming from his alleged marriage to an underage girl.
Defense Attorney Mark Stevens said there is no credible evidence the girl was assaulted or gave birth at the ranch.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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