ST. GEORGE, Utah -- A state court judge on Friday heard dismissal arguments in a rape case involving a man whose 2001 spiritual marriage was the basis for the Utah criminal trial of polygamous church leader Warren Jeffs.
Washington County prosecutors charged Allen Steed with one count of rape in September 2007 -- the day after Jeffs was convicted of two counts of rape as an accomplice for his role in Steed's marriage to 14-year-old Elissa Wall.
The marriage was arranged by leaders of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The couple divorced in 2004.
Steed's attorneys said the charges were filed after the statute of limitations expired.
Prosecutors contend that changes to Utah law in 2005 allow them up to eight years to file charges.
Fifth District Judge G. Rand Beacham said Friday he would take the arguments under advisement and will issue a written ruling in the case. It was not clear when it will be issued.
The Associated Press does not typically name victims of alleged sexual assault, but Wall has spoken publicly about the case and published a memoir, "Stolen Innocence," detailing her life leading up to the trial.
Revered as a prophet by followers, Jeffs is in an Arizona jail pending two criminal trials.
In the 2007 Utah case, Jeffs was sentenced to consecutive prison terms of five years to life.
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