|
October
7, 2002
An
arrest warrant was unsealed today for a police officer accused
of polygamy and sex charges. And, in a surprise twist, one
of his three wives was also charged.
As we
reported last week, sealed documents were filed in St. George
last Thursday. After a legal challenge by the Salt Lake Tribune,
the charges and arrest warrant were unveiled today.
The charges
have been expected for quite a while because most of the basic
facts are on the public record. It may become another highly
watched polygamy case, because it may turn into a constitutional
court battle.
Rodney Holm acknowledges having three wives -- one legal and
two so-called spiritual wives.
One of them, Ruth Stubbs, was 16 when she married him.
The marriage was under the auspices of religious leaders in
the polygamist border community of Hildale, Utah and Colorado
City, Ariz.
Holm is a certified police officer on both sides of the border.
The charges say he had sex with Ruth Stubbs when she was 16.
He's also charged with bigamy.
His first
and only legal wife, Suzie Stubbs Holm, is also charged. She's
accused of aiding and abetting the sexual conduct with Ruth
Stubbs, who happens to be Suzy's younger sister.
An attorney for the Holms expressed outrage that a polygamist's
wife would be charged.
"We think that all religious people should be concerned
with what the attorney general has done here. These people
and particularly Suzie, is guilty of nothing other than professing
her religious faith and supporting her husband," said
attorney Rod Parker.
The Holms have agreed to a peaceable surrender on Friday when
they'll appear in a St. George court. Under a deal with the
attorney general's office, they're expected to be released
without bail pending trial.
Holm has been placed on leave by the Colorado City Police
Department.
|
