Merrianne Jessop became known as the wife of Warren Jeffs, the leader of the FLDS church. Her marriage to the church leader was controversial in many ways as not only was she one of the many wives of the preacher, she was only 12 years old when he married her.
With a story that is highlighted by patriarchic complexities with elements of religious fundamentalism and cultic activities, here are some facts worth knowing about Merriane Jessop.
Quick Details About Facts About Merrianne Jessop
1. She was born into a polygamous home
Merrianne Jessop was born in the United States on July 3, 1994, into a large polygamous family.
Her father, Merril Jessop, was married to several other women apart from her mother, Barbara Jessop, who was Merril’s third and favorite wife. In total, her father has close to or over 10 wives.
2. Merrianne Jessop married Warren Jeffs when she was only 12
Merrianne Jessop’s marriage to the infamous cult leader was held on July 27, 2006, when she was accompanied by her siblings and others to the FLDS temple where the ceremony was performed.
What made the ceremony more shocking apart from the fact that she was only three weeks past her 12th birthday, was that the ceremony was presided over by her father, Merril.
3. Jeffs laid her during the ceremony
One of the most shocking things that would later come to light was that during the marriage ceremony, the cult leader who was 50, had his way with the 12-year-old girl.
As far as the little girl who was told what to do as he was having his way with her, Warren was only following the word of Heavenly Father.
4. Her father was a ranking Bishop in the FLDS
Merrianne Jessop’s father was a ranking Bishop in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was the de facto head of the church from 2007 to 2011. Jessop has followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who were also ranking church members.
5. It is believed that she suffered many abuses while growing up
According to one of the wives of her father, Carolyn Jessop who was married to Jessop for 17 years, members of the family suffered spousal and child abuse which were in both physical and emotional manner.
Because of the shreds of evidence provided, Carolyn was given custody of the 8 children she had with the former FLDS church leader.
6. Merrianne Jessop’s sisters were also married to Warren Jeffs
Merrianne was not the only member of her family to be married to Warren. Her sister, Naomi, was also married to the controversial preacher. She was considered to be his favorite wife.
In all, it is reported that 10 of Merrianne’s sisters were also married to Warren. Most of the 11 sisters married the preacher when they were younger than 15. He was also married to Merrianne’s three nieces.
7. Her marriage to Warren Jeffs came to an end after the arrest of the preacher
The marriage between Merrianne and Warren lasted only a few years during which he was battling various cases including child sexual abuse and felony charges. At one point, he was placed as one of the FBI’s top 10 most wanted individuals.
He was convicted on charges of Aggravated sexual assault of a child and Sexual assault of a child in Texas, for which he was sentenced to Texas: Life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 27 years.
8. Merrianne Jessop was one of the main reasons why Warren Jeffs was incarcerated
Although he had many cases against him, one of the main things that finally had Warren jailed for life was his marriage to Merriane.
He was found guilty of sexual assault against a child in her case and he was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years and a $10,000 fine.
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9. There are no records that she had any kids with her former husband
In a marriage that lasted less than 5 years before her husband was incarcerated, and before she fully turned an adult, there is no record of any child between them.
10. Where is Merrianne Jessop today?
Merrianne is now an adult living in Texas. She has continued to maintain a very private life away from the media. It is also not clear what her religious affiliations are at the moment.
