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Jury convicts Elizabeth Smart kidnapper, rejects insanity

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

December 10, 2010 - 10:16 am

SALT LAKE CITY -- A federal jury has convicted a former street preacher of kidnapping Elizabeth Smart more than eight years ago.

The verdict reached Friday finally brought justice for Smart and her family after the ordeal that began when Brian David Mitchell took her from her home at knifepoint and held her captive for nine months when she was 14.

Now 23, Smart testified during the five-week trial that she was forced into a polygamous marriage and endured near daily rapes.

The jury found Mitchell guilty of kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines for the purposes of illegal sex.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

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