Arizona polygamist denied bid for freedom

KINGMAN, Ariz. -- A judge in Kingman has denied a request for freedom from a northern Arizona polygamist who pleaded guilty to a sex offense involving the youngest of the three women his church recognizes as his wives.

Superior Court Judge Steve Conn imposed a 45-day jail sentence on Dale Barlow, 49, indicating it sends a message to followers of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that sexual relations with underage women will not be tolerated. Barlow has until Oct. 22 to report to jail in Kingman.

At his sentencing on Friday, Barlow complained about being prosecuted for conduct endorsed by the FLDS

"I regret that the state has come in on my religion and caused us the grief," said Barlow, son of Dan Barlow, the former longtime mayor of Colorado City. ``I won't change my religion because somebody didn't understand."

Mohave County Attorney Matt Smith countered that the prosecution of Barlow has nothing to do with religious persecution or an attack upon polygamous practices.

``This case isn't about polygamy, it's about the fact that the defendant engaged in sexual relations with someone under the age of 18," Smith said.

Defense attorney Bruce Griffen did not contest Smith's assertion that the father of 22 children through three relationships impregnated Louisa Johnson when she was 16 years old about eight years ago. Griffen read Johnson's letter to the court into the record to show that she does not consider herself a victim and that she consented to her relationship with Barlow.

``There was no force," the letter stated. ``I am happy with the choices I have made."

The judge ordered Barlow to register as a sex offender until he completes three years of probation. He also must pay restitution of some $3,800 to cover the cost of summoning prospective jurors for the trial that was called off when a last- minute plea agreement was reached in the spring.

Barlow pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. Warren Jeffs, 51, the FLDS prophet, is alleged to be his co-conspirator. He faces several charges in Mohave County on allegations of arranging marriages with underage women and is awaiting trial in Utah on similar charges.