75-year sentence for sex assault polygamist

The latest member of a polygamist group whose sprawling West Texas ranch was raided in 2008 was starting a 75-years prison sentence today for sexual assault of a child.

Merril Leroy Jessop, 35, was sentenced yesterday. Jurors this week also found he violated Texas laws prohibiting bigamy.

Prosecutors said Jessop tried to delete photos and other documents connecting him to an underage bride.

Jessop is the fourth member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to be tried since authorities raided and seized documents from the Yearning For Zion Ranch. The weeklong raid temporarily sent 439 children to foster care.

The Texas attorney general's office says eight more group members are awaiting trial.