David Ortell Kingston loses appeal of sex convictions

April 25, 2002
By Rick Ross

On April 18th 2002 the Utah Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of David Ortell Kingston. Kingston, a polygamist, was covicted for having sex with his 16-year-old niece. And the court specifically ruled against his claim that the jury was prejudiced by hearing about his polygamist lifestyle during his trial in 1999. Appellate judges likewise rejected any claims by Kingston against his trial attorneys

Kingston's niece claimed he took her as his 15th wife and then had sex with her four times during 1998. Kingston, 36, is now in prison serving his sentence, which could last ten years.

Utah Assistant Attorney General Laura DuPaix claimed a "moral victory" and said, "I'm hoping it will encourage more young people, who want to get out of this."

Notes: This article was largely based upon "Panel Upholds Kingston Sex Convictions" Salt Lake Tribune, Friday, April 12, 2002 By Elizabeth Neff