Plea agreement resolves Utah man’s rape case

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah man loyal to polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs has resolved a rape charge by pleading guilty to lesser crimes in exchange for a sentence of 30 days in jail and probation.

Allen Glade Steed on Friday pleaded guilty to two, third-degree felonies — participating in an illegal marriage and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor — in 5th District Court.

Each charge carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison. But in a deal with prosecutors, Steed will serve just 30 days in the Washington County Jail and probation.

The rape charge filed in 2007 stemmed from Steed’s 2001 spiritual marriage to his then-14-year-cousin, Elissa Wall. The two were members of Jeffs’ Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

An attorney for Wall says she is satisfied with the plea.