Sex abuse trial begins in Phoenix for Minuteman founder
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The sex abuse trial for one of the founders of the Minuteman border-watch movement opened with a prosecutor saying that the leader of the controversial group had an inappropriate love for young girls.
Chris Simcox is charged with molesting a 5-year-old girl and engaging in sexual conduct with a 6-year-old girl.
Opening statements were made Wednesday.
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He denies the allegations and says he is angry about the criminal case that has kept him in jail for nearly three years.
Simcox isn't a lawyer but is nonetheless representing himself.
He told jurors that he has been vilified for his political views.
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The Minuteman movement stepped into the spotlight in 2005 as illegal immigration heated up as a political issue, but splintered after Simcox and another co-founder parted ways.