Kingman, USA - A member of a polygamous sect on trial for alleged sex offenses involving a plural marriage to an underage girl was acquitted Thursday.
A Mohave County Superior Court jury deliberated for about an hour before finding Donald Barlow not guilty of sexual conduct charges with a minor.
Barlow, 50, had been charged with a single count involving a church assigned bride.
Prosecutors told jurors that the Colorado City resident fathered a child by the 17-year-old girl.
However, defense attorney Bruce Griffen said the key to the acquittal was the state's inability to prove where the sex occurred.
Griffen said Barlow was working in Salt Lake City at the time of the alleged offense.
Barlow is a member of the Polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, based in Colorado City and neighboring Hildale, Utah.