Polygamist leader convicted over rape

Jurors rejected a defense attorney's argument that the prosecution of a polygamous sect leader was religious persecution, convicting him as an accomplice to rape for forcing a 14-year-old follower to marry her 19-year-old cousin.

The victim in the case didn't accept it either, telling reporters the case was about child abuse.

"This trial has not been about religion or a vendetta. It was simply about child abuse and preventing abuse," the woman, now 21, said in prepared remarks after the verdict.